Asbestos is a big health hazard often found in older homes. Many homes built before 1989 still have asbestos insulation, especially around gravity furnaces. Knowing how to spot it and understanding when to call in professionals for asbestos removal in St. Paul is important for the safety of your household.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral material that was widely used for insulation in homes until its health risks came to surface in the mid-20th century. The tiny fibers in asbestos can become airborne. Then, when inhaled, lodge in the lungs. Over time, this exposure can lead to serious health issues. These include respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma, a dangerous form of lung cancer. Asbestos is no longer used in construction, but it remains in many older homes. It still poses a risk to occupants.
Where Is Asbestos Found?
In many older homes, especially those with vintage heating systems like gravity furnaces, asbestos can still be found. Gravity furnaces, also known as octopus furnaces, often contain asbestos insulation. This material may be present around the furnace and in other areas of the home, such as old insulation, pipes, and even flooring. As these materials age, they can begin to break down, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
How to Spot Asbestos
Identifying asbestos in your home isn’t easy. It often looks like ordinary insulation or other building materials. However, some signs can indicate the presence of asbestos:
- Aging Insulation: If the insulation around your furnace or pipes looks old, frayed, or is crumbling, it could contain asbestos.
- Dusty or Fibrous Materials: Asbestos fibers are small and often look like dusty, fibrous material. If you see this near old heating systems or pipes, there’s a chance asbestos is present.
- Old Furnace Systems: Homes with old gravity furnaces are particularly at risk. These systems were often insulated with asbestos, especially in homes built before the 1950s.
If you suspect asbestos is present, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Avoid touching or disturbing the material, as this can release fibers into the air.
Why You Shouldn’t Handle Asbestos Yourself
Asbestos removal is not a DIY job. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself can be dangerous. Disturbing the material can cause fibers to become airborne, increasing the risk of inhalation. Professionals use specialized equipment and procedures to safely remove asbestos without contaminating the rest of the house.
The Professional Asbestos Abatement Process
When you call in our team at Residential Heating and Air Conditioning, we follow a strict process to ensure your home is safe:
- Sealing the Area: Our technicians seal off the work area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.
- Safe Removal: We carefully remove all asbestos-containing materials, ensuring no fibers escape into the air.
- Thorough Cleaning: Once the asbestos is removed, we clean the area thoroughly to ensure no traces remain.
- Furnace Replacement: If your old furnace contained asbestos, we replace it with a high-efficiency furnace, improving both safety and energy efficiency.
When to Call the Pros
If your home has an old gravity furnace or you suspect asbestos in any part of your home, it’s time to call the professionals. Our technicians specialize in gravity furnace replacement and asbestos abatement. We have the experience and equipment to handle these jobs safely and effectively.
Don’t let asbestos threaten the safety of your home. Our trained technicians are here to help, whether it’s removing asbestos or replacing an old furnace. Let us help you enjoy your home without worry.