We take winter seriously here in Indianapolis, making sure we’re ready to withstand the worst when it comes to plunging temperatures and icy road conditions. So when you’re sitting down to list and prioritize your chilly season chores, chief among them should be prepping for winter home safety.
Why Focus on Winter Home Safety?
In our region, most homes are shut up tight all season long. Homeowners looking for greater efficiency with their HVAC systems will insulate and caulk air leaks so that cold air stays out and warm air stays in. But that means there’s a decline in indoor air quality, as pollutants stay trapped inside. Dust, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, viruses, mold and bacteria can all flourish in this airtight environment and create breathing problems for the home’s occupants.
A more serious pollutant, however, is carbon monoxide. CO, an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas that is deadly to humans and our pets, is produced wherever combustion takes place. with gas- or oil-powered engines or appliances. Your HVAC system likely uses gas or oil to heat your home, but if it’s properly vented and the system is in good repair, CO shouldn’t be of concern.
The best way to ensure that CO does not become an issue is to schedule annual fall maintenance on your furnace. Your technician will make sure your system’s burners and ignition system are clean and properly firing, and will also check for cracks or leaks from the heat exchanger, and to ensure that the system is properly venting to the outdoors.
CO Detectors
While CO in sufficient levels to sicken or kill a home’s occupants is generally rare, it does happen. One of the best ways to protect your household is with a CO monitor.
CO monitors should be mounted on every floor of a home, near every sleeping area, and at least 5 feet from the ground. They should also be tested periodically to make sure they are working properly.
To learn more about winter home safety, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’ve served Indianapolis for more than 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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