When temperatures drop in Alabama, your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable. But along with heat, furnaces that burn natural gas, oil, or propane can also pose a hidden danger: carbon monoxide (CO).

Often called the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Without proper precautions, it can leak into your home and go undetected until it causes serious health risks. At Clifford’s HVAC, your family’s safety is our priority. Here’s what every homeowner should know about CO and their furnace.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas created when fuel is burned. In furnaces, this happens during the combustion process. Normally, CO is vented safely outside your home through flues and exhaust systems. But if your furnace is malfunctioning, poorly maintained, or improperly ventilated, CO can build up indoors.

Health Risks of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Because CO replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, even small amounts can cause symptoms that mimic the flu:

• Headaches

• Dizziness or confusion

• Nausea and vomiting

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

Prolonged or high-level exposure can be fatal. Families with children, elderly individuals, or pets are especially vulnerable.

How CO Leaks Happen in Furnaces

• Cracked or damaged heat exchangers

• Blocked or leaking flue pipes

• Poorly installed or maintained equipment

• Inadequate ventilation in utility rooms or basements

How to Protect Your Home

1. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place them on every floor of your home and near sleeping areas.

2. Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance: A professional inspection can detect cracks, blockages, or safety issues before they become dangerous.

3. Keep Vents Clear: Ensure outside flues and vents are free of leaves, snow, or debris.

4. Don’t Ignore Symptoms: If your household experiences unexplained headaches, dizziness, or fatigue, get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

Why Professional Furnace Care Matters

Routine tune-ups aren’t just about efficiency—they’re about safety. A certified technician from Clifford’s HVAC will:

• Inspect and clean your furnace

• Check for cracks in the heat exchanger

• Verify flue pipes and vents are working properly

• Ensure combustion is safe and efficient

Stay Warm, Stay Safe With Clifford’s HVAC

Carbon monoxide may be invisible, but protecting your family from it is simple with the right precautions. Clifford’s HVAC proudly serves Huntsville, Decatur, Athens, Florence, and surrounding North Alabama communities with expert furnace maintenance and safety checks.

📞 Call us today to schedule your furnace inspection and enjoy peace of mind this winter.