Prevent Carbon Monoxide Risks With Regular Furnace Checks

As winter approaches in Kelowna, ensuring your home or business is safe is just as important as keeping it warm. One commonly overlooked hazard is the presence of carbon monoxide (CO)—a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces. Even low levels of CO exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while high levels can be life-threatening.

Regular home furnace inspections are important for preventing carbon monoxide leaks. A professional technician from Radian Home Comfort can check for cracks in the heat exchanger, ensure proper ventilation, and test your system for safe operation. These twice-annual inspections not only protect your health but may also improve your HVAC’s energy efficiency and extend the life of your heating system.

Even with regular maintenance, accidents can happen. We recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors in key areas—near bedrooms and fuel-burning appliances—this adds an essential layer of protection. These can be purchased from any hardware store and are screwed into the ceiling; typically, they last 10 years. Make sure you test your detectors monthly (a simple button test) and replace batteries at least once a year or when you hear the warning beep.

If you notice symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, or flu-like feelings that improve when you leave your building, it may indicate a CO leak. Other warning signs include a yellow instead of blue flame on your furnace burner or soot buildup around vents. In any of these cases, turn off the appliance at the breaker panel, ventilate the space by opening windows if you can, and call a certified Radian Home Comfort technician immediately.

Winter is coming, and the last thing you want is to risk your safety. Contact Radian Home Comfort in Kelowna to schedule a home furnace inspection. Our certified team will ensure your heating system is running safely, efficiently, and reliably—so you can enjoy a warm and worry-free winter season.