Month: October 2018

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Oct 31, 2018

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Here at Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air, our main concern is the well-being and safety of you, your loved ones, and your home. With any job that we perform on your property, we want to be sure that you are safe and secure long after we leave. Even though we guarantee a job done right the first time, it’s impossible to eliminate all risks completely. One of those major risks is carbon monoxide in Loomis.

Carbon Monoxide, or CO, is a dangerous substance with no odor, color, or taste. Without immediate treatment, exposure can lead to tissue damage or even death. This is a scary fact, so it’s extremely important for home or business owners know the dangers of carbon monoxide in Loomis. If you have any questions, call Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air.

Crystal Blue detects and protects against carbon monoxide in Loomis

Causes

Carbon monoxide leaks occur when fuels don’t fully burn properly, or certain appliances aren’t properly vented. Some appliances that can cause potential CO leaks in your home are:

  • Boilers
  • Furnaces
  • Gas or kerosene heaters
  • Water heaters
  • Wood Stoves
  • Gas cooking stoves
  • Gas tumble driers

If you have one of these appliances in your home, watch out for the following signs as they may be signaling a CO leak in your home:

  • Brown or yellow stains on or around your appliances
  • Pilot lights that often blow out or are any color other than blue
  • Heavy condensation around the appliance
  • Fumes or smoke
  • Fallen soot

If you are experiencing any of these issues in your home, call Crystal Blue as soon as possible to locate the source of the problem. If it’s an emergency, call emergency services immediately to prevent any physical harm.

Symptoms

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when it builds up in your bloodstream. If you or a loved one are experiencing the following symptoms, evacuate the area to fresh air and call emergency services:

  • Headaches
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Sudden hearing loss or ringing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are especially at risk from exposure

Prevention and Protection

Though the possibility of carbon monoxide leaks can’t be eliminated completely, it’s possible to prevent them. The law here in California states that carbon monoxide detectors are required in all single-family dwellings with a fuel-burning appliance or fireplace. Having these detection devices throughout your home is key, however, prevention through routine maintenance is just as important.

How Crystal Blue Can Help

Since 1976, Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air has been providing HVAC services to Loomis, CA and surrounding areas. We have decades of experience under our belts, so we know what to look for and what needs to be done when heating or cooling issues arise in your home. To ensure your safety, we offer a wide range of heating, cooling, and air quality services.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Our maintenance and repair services will give you added protection against the dangers of carbon monoxide in Loomis and beyond. Call today to schedule your service!  

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Tips for Turning on Your Furnace for the First Time This Season

Oct 15, 2018

Tips for Turning on Your Furnace for the First Time This Season

 

It may still be in the 70’s or 80s during the day here in Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas, but the nights are starting to cool down. Before you know it, the cool weather will settle in completely and it will be time to switch on your furnace to warm up. Before that day arrives, it’s important to make sure your furnace can adequately warm your whole home. Here are a few tips for turning your furnace on for the first time this season, and what you can do to prepare it for the cooler months ahead.

What to do Beforehand

  • Make Sure your Filter is Clean. If you can’t remember the last time it was changed, it’s likely past due.
  • Clear the Area Around your Furnace. Is the area surrounding your furnace clear? If you have boxes or belongings stored too close, it could be a potential fire hazard.
  • Test Smoke and CO Detectors. This is especially important if you have a battery powered system in place. Brush the dust off them and make sure you switch out the old batteries.

Tips for Turning on Your Furnace for the First Time This Season

What to Expect

It’s normal for your home to smell for a little while after you switch on your furnace for the first time of a season. Think of all the dust that has settled in your vents over the warmer months – all of that is burning when you switch on the heat. The smell shouldn’t last too long, however. If it lingers for more than a few hours or a day, it’s best to call the professionals at Crystal Blue for heating repair.

Watch for Warning Signs

When you turn your furnace on for the first time, it’s important to watch for signs of a problem. Having an issue is unlikely, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you hear any unfamiliar noises, or your furnace seems to be struggling in any way, schedule your service before it escalates into a costly repair.

Turn it on Early

One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is waiting until it’s already cold out to turn on their furnace for the first time. It’s better to know if there’s a problem with your heating system early on – so you can have it repaired before the cool weather sets in and you really need it!

The Importance of Professional Furnace Maintenance

Professional maintenance is the best way to ensure that your furnace not only lasts through this winter, but for years to come. Any maintenance done by Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air will give you:

  • Less Risk. A furnace that hasn’t been professionally serviced in a long time is at more of a risk for fire, gas leak, or carbon monoxide leak. To keep your heating system working as safely as possible, it’s important to have it professionally inspected and tuned-up at least once a year before heating season sets in.
  • Improved Indoor Air Quality. Your furnace and duct system are responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home. If you have a dirty filter or your furnace is struggling to keep up, your air quality can be negatively affected.
  • Cheaper Utility Bills. A well-maintained heating system can work efficiently and heat your home adequately. Proper maintenance saves more than just your utility bill, but the cost of avoidable repairs, or worse, an early replacement.
  • Less Repairs in the Future.  Keeping your heating system happy and healthy will help it last longer and prevent malfunctions down the road.
  • Increased Home Comfort. After a Crystal Blue technician performs maintenance on your furnace, you’ll be more comfortable in your home than ever before! Your home will be fully prepared for the cooler weather as well.

 Don’t wait till it’s cold out. If you need any heating service in Sacramento such as maintenance, repair, or replacement, call Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air today!