Heaters, Air Conditioners, And Carbon Monoxide: Stay Safe!

The bright side: a correctly flued and serviced heater, in an aerated space, is much more secure. However if your own is old, unflued, or hasn’t been checked in years, obtain it examined. And a carbon monoxide gas alarm is a wise investment.

Legionella and Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners

QUESTION: Hey Dr Zac, over wintertime I was cranking up the heating unit, but somebody at work pointed out these reverse cycle heaters/air conditioners, particularly older ones, can spread out microorganisms like legionella. We additionally have a gas heating unit in the kitchen, and he said that can discharge carbon monoxide. With summer coming up– should I quit using our reverse cycle airconditioning.

Legionella is the bacteria behind Legionnaires’ illness, an extreme pneumonia. It thrives in stagnant cozy water that gets distributed as a mist, which is why episodes are linked to cooling down medspas, towers and water fountains. Your reverse-cycle split system doesn’t store water, so it isn’t a breeding ground. The main danger in the house is dirt, mold and allergens in unclean filters, which can flare asthma or hay high temperature. Regular cleaning fixes this.

Gas Heaters and Carbon Monoxide Dangers

CONCERN: Hey Dr Zac, over winter season I was cranking up the heating system, however someone at job pointed out these reverse cycle heaters/air conditioners, particularly older ones, can spread out bacteria like legionella. We also have a gas heating system in the cooking area, and he said that can release carbon monoxide. Unflued or improperly maintained heaters can release carbon monoxide, which is a colourless, odor free gas that at high levels can be harmful.

Gas is a different tale. Unflued or inadequately maintained heating systems can release carbon monoxide, which is a colourless, unsmelling gas that at high degrees can be harmful. Also at lower degrees, long-term exposure is hazardous. Gas appliances also create nitrogen dioxide, which research has continuously connected to bronchial asthma flares in youngsters and lung irritation in adults. Wellness authorities and peer-reviewed research studies both indicate this as a measurable threat.