Combustion Safety Testing
Most homes are now equipped with standard carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detection alarms for home safety. These detectors give families warnings when fire breaks out or unsafe levels of CO gases build up. A Wisconsin Home Improvement combustion safety test looks at the mechanical appliances that burn natural gas or fuel oil to ensure that dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, are properly vented outside the home.
What is a Combustion Safety Test?
A combustion safety test involves a creating a "worst-case depressurization" to determine if any combustion appliances are leaking gas into the home. The appliances are turned to a "pilot" mode for testing. All windows and doors are shut tight for the test. Then, to create the "worst-case depressurization," all exhaust fans and the clothes dryer are turned on. First, our professionals test the airflow in each flue using a DG-700 pressure and flow gauge. We also test spillage or gas leakage from any open burners.
When is a Combustion Safety Test Conducted?
This test of your furnace or boiler safety can be conducted at any time, and is one of the components of Wisconsin Home Improvement's comprehensive home performance audits. The test is needed only when there are appliances that burn a fuel—natural gas or propane— to provide heat. Units that need testing include:
- Furnaces
- Water heaters
- Boilers
- Cooking stoves
Our auditors will first visually inspect any flues attached to these appliances to determine if they are installed properly.
How is Carbon Monoxide Gas Detected?
To detect the amount of carbon monoxide levels that may be leaking in under these
"worst-case" conditions , our WHI combustion testers will first collect a sample of air from outside the home to calibrate the detection monitor. Then we'll test the ambient air inside the combustion appliance zone. These tests are only conducted on open burner appliances; appliances with sealed combustion do not need testing.
If your furnace more than ten years old or you have concerns about the safety of your combustion appliances, call Wisconsin Home Improvement! You'll get peace of mind knowing your furnace and water heater are safe and functioning properly.
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