Chimney, Fireplace, Ventilation & Duct

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that emerges in homes and buildings where combustion by-products are generated and dispersed. Appliances such as hot-water heaters, furnaces, ranges, boilers, dryers can spill this gas any facility. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless and is an asphyxiate.

At low concentrations, carbon monoxide can go undetected and contribute to nagging illnesses as well as compound pre-existing health problems and can go unnoticed in premature deaths.

Recommendation checklist from the CDC:
(http://www.cdc.gov)

1. Have your fireplace draft and the drafts of other fuel-burning appliances checked yearly by an expert.

2. Have gas appliances checked yearly.

3. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year.

4. Never use your gas range to heat your home.

5. Never burn charcoal indoors.

6. Never use a portable gas camp stove or flameless chemical heater indoors.

7. Never run your car or truck an an indoor garage attached to your home.

8. Buy only appliances having the seal of a national testing agency such as the American Gas Association or the Underwriters Laboratory.

9. When converting form one fuel to another always have the venting checked by an expert.

Information below from the EPA:
(http://www.epa.gov)

"Blocked, leaking, or damaged chimneys or flues release harmful combustion gases and particles and even fatal concentrations of carbon monoxide. Strictly follow all service and maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturer, including those that tell you how frequently to change your filter. If manufacturers instructions are not readily available, change filters once every month or two during periods of use. Proper maintenance is important even for new furnaces because they can also corrode and leak combustion gases including carbon monoxide. Read the booklet "What You Should know About Combustion Appliances and Indoor Air Pollution to learn more about combustion pollutants."
The booklet is available by contacting CPSC, EPA's IAQ INFO Clearinghouse, or your local ALA.

Information from Certified Craftsmen:

Clogged chimneys occur quite often with gas and oil-fired units. The lining of the flue deteriorates due to acidic condensation and the debris falls to bottom of the chimney flue clogging the breeching or smoke pipe. DO NOT THINK THAT ALL HEATING, COOLING, OR UTILITY COMPANIES THAT YOU HAVE SERVICING YOUR FURNACE, BOILER, OR HOT WATER HEATER ALWAYS INSPECT YOUR FLUE FOR THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL PROBLEM-- THEY DO NOT!  In fact, Certified was called out several times this year right after a large utility company and HVAC company in the area had connected a hot-water heater and a furnace to a clogged flue and left the house with the units running and spilling flue gas emissions.  Please see our photo documentation of these problems.

Certified Craftsmen can help eliminate any appliance related carbon monoxide problems you may be having in your home. We can inspect your appliances venting systems and fireplace chimney annually.  Please call with any questions.

Please read the dangers of vent-free gas log sets!