(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Check your furnace

Melfort Ambulance urges furnace, chimney inspection

Oct 28, 2019 | 9:28 AM

The colder weather is here, and Melfort Ambulance wants everyone to remember to give their furnaces a once-over, mainly to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Manager Wayne Therres said as we get deeper into fall, the time to inspect your furnaces and fireplaces is now.

The first step, should be checking the outlets.

“Not always chimneys, some of the newer furnaces now have a side vent out the side of the house that’s just a pipe that runs out the side so we want to make sure that that’s not blocked,” Therres said. “Even more important if you live in a rural area because we have small animals or birds that are looking to find a warm place to spend the winter.”

Mechanical parts of the furnace should also be inspected, Therres said, and one of the easier things to do is change your furnace filters on a regular basis.

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He also suggested arranging a local energy contractor to inspect your heat exchanger and all heating elements.

One of the major concerns about a malfunctioning or improperly vented furnace or fireplace is the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. The colourless, odourless gas can be lethal.

Therres said the recommendation is that each house should have at least two carbon monoxide detectors, with one placed near sleeping areas and one close to the furnace and water heater room.

Attached garages can also pose a hazard due to vehicle exhaust, and Therres said it’s vital not to let vehicles run inside the garage.

What are some signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

“We just want to watch for people that have a feeling of nausea, unexplained headaches or influenza like symptoms that effect everyone,” Therres explained. “When we say everyone, we’re talking about your pets as well.”

If people are showing signs of carbon monoxide exposure, Therres said it’s important to get them outside in the fresh air, and if the situation is more urgent you should call 9-1-1.

“We do see a lot more cases now than what we used to with carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Therres, who added that may be a result of people being more educated about carbon monoxide and signs of exposure.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974