What is the Importance of a Properly Sized Furnace?
When cold weather approaches people automatically reach for the thermostat without a second thought to the safety of the furnace or its exhaust system. Most consumers believe that as long as their furnace is working properly, it is providing safe and effective service. However, there are issues that homeowners should be aware of especially if they are thinking of replacing an aging furnace.
Proper Sizing of Furnaces
Most furnaces are too big for the home they are installed in. This happens when a builder or a contractor uses the square footage of the home to determine the size furnace that should be installed. There are many factors that go into determining the size furnace a home needs and square footage is only one of those factors. If the furnace system is too large the system will cycle on and off more frequently than is necessary. This will place stress on the system and over time can lead to breakdown. An oversized furnace also runs less efficiently and uses more energy than a properly sized one. Finally and most importantly, if the furnace is too large for the exhaust system, it is attached to there are some real dangers to be aware of.
Furnace Exhaust Issues
Homeowners are more aware these days of the importance of a home being energy efficient. As a result today’s homes are more likely to have double pane windows, proper insulation, and all the cracks and crevices tightly sealed. This also means there is less fresh air coming into homes and fewer ways for stale air to exit the home. When gas furnaces, heat the home a byproduct of this process is carbon monoxide. Many furnaces make use of a home’s existing chimney flue as an exhaust vent. When oversized, high-efficiency furnaces are combined with older chimney’s the result is an opportunity for carbon monoxide to enter the home.
Carbon Monoxide Dangers
A report by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates over 200 people die every year from CO produced by their heating units. CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless yet it produces very real symptoms. Low-level CO exposure resembles the flu. You might notice headaches, body aches, fatigue, and lethargy. Exposure to high levels can cause unconsciousness and ultimately death.
Make sure you have your furnace regularly maintained and inspected. And if your HVAC professional feels there is a need for concern, be sure you invest in a properly sized furnace for your home.
Instead of considering a furnace replacement on your own, leave this type of work to Lambert Plumbing & Heating. Hiring a professional can help you to preserve your property and your money, call us today at (604) 734-0890 for quality services in Vancouver.
