Inspecting Heating Systems & Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide
poisoning has been on the rise in recent years, and it stems in
large part from the home’s heating system. At first glance,
modern heating systems may seem the same as those that have been
used safely for years. However, there are some key differences
that make today’s homes more susceptible to carbon monoxide
buildup. As a home inspector, it is important to understand
heating systems, what causes toxic gases to be present in the
home, and how to prevent it. In a nutshell, toxic gases in the
home can be attributed to the following common situations: -
Today’s houses are more air-tight. Homeowners are aware of the
cost of heating drafty homes and take steps to seal up windows,
doors and other areas of air-infiltration. Consequently, there
is less fresh air coming into a home and not as many pathways
for stale or polluted air to leave it. In addition, when
furnaces and boilers are starved for of the oxygen needed to
burn fuels completely, carbon monox