question archive Furnaces in residential homes usually burn natural gas, which is mostly methane, CH4

Furnaces in residential homes usually burn natural gas, which is mostly methane, CH4

Subject:ChemistryPrice:2.86 Bought8

Furnaces in residential homes usually burn natural gas, which is mostly methane, CH4 .

Here is the balanced equation for the complete combustion of methane: CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2 O

a. Explain why it is important to make sure your furnace is serviced and in proper working order before the winter.

Be sure to include information about combustion reactions in your answer.

b. What safety precautions should you take if your house has a furnace?

pur-new-sol

Purchase A New Answer

Custom new solution created by our subject matter experts

GET A QUOTE

Answer Preview

a. Explain why it is important to make sure your furnace is serviced and in proper working order before the winter.

Be sure to include information about combustion reactions in your answer.

 

Answer: It is vital to make sure that the furnace is serviced and in a proper working order because it is one of the most convenient and efficient way to heat the environment, not only that but because it can cause serious injuries and accident when it is not maintained well. Complete combustion produces carbon dioxide however, an incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide(which is harmful to us) and this happens because the carbon is not completely oxidized due to varying reasons i.e. blocked vent systems, physical disturbances of the flame, insufficient combustion air and many more that a repairman can address.

 

b. What safety precautions should you take if your house has a furnace?

 

Answer:

Annual maintenance - You should have an annual check-up from your repairman to detect problems which can cause further injuries or accident. They also have cleaning service which can make your furnace more effective and efficient in heating up the place.

Air filter maintenance - This prevents backflow of carbon monoxide into the heating system as it filters it thus helps the furnace consume more oxygen.

Furnace is installed properly - The furnace if installed improperly can also leak carbon monoxide so be sure to follow the guideline in installing or even better let a professional install it for you.

Carbon monoxide detector installation - This can avoid potential hazardous events as it can detect excessive carbon monoxide levels.