A furnace inspection left one homeowner uneasy after a technician recommended replacing a flue pipe without fully explaining the dangers of not doing so.
Here's what to know
In a Reddit thread, the homeowner asked whether a technician should have been clearer after saying the flue "should be replaced" without explaining how urgent the problem was.
The post prompted replies from self-identified HVAC technicians among other commenters.
The original poster wrote, "My concern is that he never expressed the danger of not replacing it. One section of the pipe is completely rusted through. Is it fair to expect that the technician would explain the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning?"
One person said the risks should have been spelled out more clearly: "Tech here… Should he have explained it in more depth and alerted you to the dangers? For sure, yes. But ultimately you're doing your due diligence as you should being a homeowner."
Another wrote, "Yes it would have been *nice* of him to do that, probably not something I'd say is required of him to do so. It's also common sense any type of fuel burning exhaust causes CO and part of homeownership is knowing things about your house. If I saw it in that condition I'd disable your furnace and shut off the gas until it's fixed."
What can be done?
The discussion also underscored how unclear the next step can feel for homeowners dealing with a rusted-through flue, whether that means continuing to use the heat, shutting the system down, or getting another opinion.
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For homeowners looking at a rusted-through flue and weighing repair versus replacement, the Comfort Plan also includes $0-down options that can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 50%, plus 12 years of free maintenance. That can help ease the transition from an aging furnace and damaged venting system to a newer, more efficient setup.
Where can I learn more?
Questions about carbon monoxide and failing furnaces often come up when homeowners discover damaged venting or combustion equipment.
• Commenters warned one parent that their old furnace could endanger the whole family.
• A contractor's improper appliance installation filled one home with carbon monoxide and shattered trust.
• Experts have said serious health risks can push homeowners toward cleaner electric HVAC upgrades.
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