Your furnace and water heater need lots of air if they burn fuels such as gas, oil or coal. They need enough air for complete combustion so that dangerous air pollutants such as carbon monoxide do not form. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that air in our homes can become more polluted than outdoor air in big cities from a number of sources, including our combustion appliances.

Combustion pollutants can cause headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, breathing difficulties and watery eyes as well as have especially severe effects on infants, the elderly and those with some chronic diseases. So be sure that a good supply of fresh air is available in your home and that burners are adjusted correctly.

Usually, air comes in through cracks around doors and windows, which helps reduce the level of pollutants indoors. This supply of fresh air also helps carry out pollutants through chimneys, vents, stovepipes and flues. For most combustion appliances to operate properly, air pressure inside your home should be greater than it is outside. If you think you have problem with this, get a qualified professional to look into it.

Never use any kind of range, oven or dryer to heat your home. Be sure that all your vented combustion appliances are securely vented to the outside, without any blockages or leaks; this includes clothes dryers and water heaters. Be sure that all vented appliances have been checked by a qualified professional for back drafting.