The temperatures drop and the winds blow hard in the Akron/Canton area as winter approaches. A well-functioning furnace keeps your family warm and safe during Northeast Ohio’s colder seasons. However, problems with your furnace’s chimney liner and flue pipe put you at risk for illness or even death.
Replacing the chimney liner and flue pipe when installing your new furnace reduces this threat. While replacing just the furnace saves money, the long-term risk adds up to big expenses. Most importantly, danger to your most treasured possessions – life and family – becomes a reality.
Why Replace the Chimney Liner and Flue Pipe when Installing a New Furnace
It Prevents Carbon Monoxide Leaks
If you’ve been following along with our blog, you’ll know the connection between carbon monoxide (CO) and your furnace. Inside of your furnace, there is a flue pipe. A flue pipe is a component of a homes heating installation. Exhaust gases and other byproducts of combustion are expelled outside through the flue pipe. The flue pipe may become detached from the furnace over time. This gap allows CO to escape into your home. If this happens, your family experiences flu-like symptoms, serious illness or death from breathing this invisible gas.With nine out of ten CO accidents occurring at home, keeping your CO detector in working order is a high priority in protecting your loved ones.
Recently, there was a situation where a family’s CO detector alarm went off. They immediately called the fire department. They sent out someone with a CO detector in hand. Their reading came out to 35 parts per million in the house and it was climbing. The house was immediately evacuated. EMS and the Fire Department were called out and upon investigation, they found the flue from the chimney became detached.
This family could have lost their lives all due to a detached flue pipe (pictured right).
It Removes Flue Pipe Obstructions
Pipes that are too small, contain too many elbows or suffer other structural issues increase the risk to your family. They should be checked with the installation of your new furnace. With a new flue pipe and chimney liner, you get the right fit every time. Plus, CO vents outside rather than inside your home.
Flue pipes and chimney liners also offer housing for bats, birds, and other creatures. These obstructions restrict gases from escaping as they should. In one case, a family experienced recurrent illnesses which were blamed on the changing seasons. In reality, the quiet build-up of CO due to a birds nest in the chimney liner was the issue.
It Reduces Chimney Deterioration
Chimney liners and flue pipes deteriorate due to use. Your chimney, left inadequately protected, wears as well. Replacing the chimney liner and flue pipes when installing your new furnace protects chimneys.
Professionals make certain your equipment functions properly and protect your family from CO issues. They see problems you might miss. In other words, heating experts catch leaks, obstructions and deterioration before CO build up occurs and harms your family.
For a check of your chimney liner, flue pipe or whole heating system, contact Forquer Heating today. We provide a safe, comfortable winter for you and your family before the snow flies.