GAMAzine: Annual Maintenance of Gas Appliances Recommended
For instance, proper combustion and venting are important for an efficient and safe home appliance. Gas flow and mixing air contribute to proper flame shape and correct combustion. Bird or other animal nests; children's toys; and leaves, branches, and other yard debris can partially or completely block vents that can lead to inadequate venting.
One of the byproducts of burning natural gas is water vapor. Water vapor that is not properly vented and expelled outside a home can condense in the vent and lead to corrosion of the vent system. Over time, this can lead to failure of the venting system. This can introduce toxic gases into a home that otherwise would be vented to the outside air. Vent corrosion can also lead to a shorter-than-expected service life of a gas appliance.
Another big concern is carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is formed when carbon-based fuels - such as kerosene, gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, charcoal, or wood - are burned with inadequate amounts of oxygen, creating a condition known as incomplete combustion. In the case of home gas appliances, this can be caused by improper installation, poor maintenance, or other appliance misuse or failure. When incomplete combustion occurs in a home's gas appliances, CO is produced, and this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.