With the installation of natural gas pipelines, many homeowners now have the option to use natural gas heating. It is just one of the many heating options available for your home. Before pushing through with this idea, you should study the advantages and disadvantages of such a system. There are safety issues that you cannot ignore with this type of equipment.
The Problems Posed With Natural Gas Heating
Below are some of the issues that you should understand converting to natural gas heating.
Natural Gas Furnaces Release Fatal Carbon Monoxide
The biggest problem with carbon monoxide is that it is notoriously difficult to detect. We are talking about a gaseous substance that does not have any color, odor, or taste. People can be exposed to it due to inefficient natural gas furnace operation without any clues. Excessive exposure results in confusion, disorientation, and flu-like symptoms. Persons who are aware of the signs can at least take action. Those who are not might fail to act and end up as fatalities before long. A natural gas system does not give any indication that it is releasing these gases until it is too late. Heating oil systems give obvious signs of a problem long before these dangerous gases are released into the home.
Air Quality & Gas Leaks
Wherever natural gas goes into a home, leaks can happen without any warning. These include kitchens, fireplaces, and the like. Gas leaks are dangerous for the occupants of the house. They may not be too obvious because the gas is odorless, but the effects are real. If it reaches a critical state, then the indoor air quality can suffer to the detriment of the most vulnerable members of the family.
Chemicals are added into the fuel to stimulate the smell of rotten eggs. This helps homeowners detect gas leaks right away. Sometimes this is enough to get the attention of the residents, but it could get ignored by others. Small leaks, for example, may persist for a while as owners have no idea what’s right under their nose. Members of the family may begin to complain or feel nausea, headaches, dizziness, and similar symptoms. They might attribute these to other medical conditions instead.
Natural Gas Heating & Fire Hazards
One of the things that you must consider with natural gas heating is its high flammability. This makes leaks incredibly dangerous. If there is a spark, then the whole house can burst into flames. This is one of the reasons why construction crews need to be very careful during their excavations. If they hit a gas line, then the results can be catastrophic with loss of life and property.
Natural gas leaks can devastate homes or even entire neighborhoods in one blow. You can get explosions even with mundane things such as turning on the light switches, lighting a match, or using a phone. Not all leaks are grave enough to be easily detectable. They may start off small such that homeowners get used to the minor irritations and become complacent. Household chemicals such as cleaning solutions can make things worse as their fumes may also trigger fires.
Electrical Problems Can Create Dangerous Situations
Gas furnaces will usually need electricity to turn on. Parts of the heating system will be reliant on electricity to provide the house with warm air, including the motors, relays, switches, and circuit boards. These should always undergo maintenance to ensure smooth operation.
If there is a gas leak, then an electrical spark due to malfunction can trigger an explosion. Frayed wires could lead to the same result. Regular inspections will go a long way to prevent these unwanted tragedies.
Decide About Home Heating With Caution
Multiple options are available for homeowners who need a new heating system. While natural gas furnaces have their benefits, their health and safety records are not encouraging. Other choices, such as heating oil, should be considered for the good of the whole family.
About The Better Home Heat Council
The Better Home Heat Council or BHHC is here to educate homeowners about the benefits of heating oil. Thanks to this fuel, people can enjoy better safety, efficiency, and economy. Our team can also help consumers who want to identify and resolve problems related to energy efficiency. We can recommend affordable solutions that can effectively address their needs.
We provide full support to Lehigh Valley oil companies that give consumers a wide range of options in terms of products and services. Work with us to find the right supplier near you.
Get in touch with the Better Home Heat Council if you have questions concerning the available options in home heating oil delivery, fuel costs, or HVAC system services. Contact us right now.
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