The Quiet Killer

I have called out both water heaters and furnaces in the last month because they were in poor condition. One problem that always gets an appliance listed as a discrepancy is the danger of carbon monoxide emissions. What concerns me is that there are thousands of water heaters and furnaces in use that are putting peoples lives at risk, which has prompted me to blog on this subject this week. Dying from carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real threat to us all and should be taken seriously. You can check your water heaters and gas furnaces yourself for some very basic telltale signs that all is not right with your appliance.


Water Heater Vent Hood

The vent hood on this water heater has collapsed  down over the combustion gas vent and as a result the flue gases are being vented into the closet rather than out of the house. On occasion I find that the water heater vents into the attic rather than to the exterior.
















Water Heater Flue Venting To Attic

Look very carefully at this water heater flue vent. It is easy to miss the fact that it does not pass through the decking to the home's exterior. The flue finishes at the decking which allows the gases to flow back into the attic. Once in the attic the HVAC unit can distribute flue exhaust around the home and into bedrooms. You could be poisoned in your sleep by this water heater!


Water heaters are not the only problem I find. I also find gas furnaces with rusting heat exchangers that pose a particular threat to life.


Furnaces with Rusting Heat Exchanges

In this photograph you can see that the heat exchanger that carries the hot gases of combustion has rusted through. The hole allows the gases to enter the air that is then distributed around the whole house. Should the gases contain carbon monoxide you and your family could be dead in a few minutes.


So what can you do to prevent you and your family from falling victim to this silent killer? Watch the video below and take the recommended action.