What Does Your Furnace Have to Do With Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide deserves a different kind of HVAC conversation.
Not scary marketing.
Not:
Just facts.
Fuel-burning heating equipment is one potential household source, which is why combustion, venting and working CO alarms all matter.
You Cannot Smell Carbon Monoxide
This is the distinction homeowners need to remember.
A possible gas leak may be noticed by a distinctive sulfur or rotten-egg-type odor.
CO itself is colorless and odorless.
What Can Create a CO Problem?
Potential problems involving fuel-burning systems can include:
CO Alarms Are Backup Protection
A carbon-monoxide alarm is important.
It does not replace proper heating-system installation, maintenance or venting.
Minnesota Homes Are Required to Have CO Alarms
Minnesota law requires approved and operational carbon-monoxide alarms in covered residential dwellings.
of each room lawfully used for sleeping in single-family dwellings and dwelling units in multifamily dwellings.
Follow the alarm manufacturer's instructions regarding:
Should Your Furnace Be Inspected?
Fuel-burning heating equipment deserves routine attention.
That does not mean every inspection uncovers a dangerous condition.
What If the CO Alarm Goes Off?
Do not treat an active carbon-monoxide alarm like an annoying battery chirp.
Immediately move everyone outside to fresh air.
Call emergency services, your fire department or 911.
Account for everyone who was inside.
Do not reenter until emergency responders say it is safe.
CO Symptoms Can Be Easy to Misread
Carbon-monoxide exposure can produce symptoms that may initially resemble other illnesses.
Move to fresh air and seek emergency or medical help as appropriate rather than staying inside to diagnose equipment.
CPSC notes that high-level exposure can progress rapidly and may cause confusion, loss of coordination, unconsciousness and death.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet
Does an Old Furnace Automatically Produce CO in the Home?
Equipment age alone does not prove unsafe operation.
Heating Safety Should Be Boring
The best outcome is not dramatic.
Understand the Equipment Without the Fear-Based Sales Pitch
Air Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning helps homeowners throughout Anoka County, the North Metro and surrounding Minnesota communities inspect and service furnaces, boilers and other home comfort equipment before heavy heating season.
The goal is simple: understand what is operating normally, identify anything that needs attention and make sure the homeowner understands the next step.
Carbon Monoxide & Heating Questions
Can you smell carbon monoxide?
No. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. A natural-gas odor and carbon monoxide are not the same thing, which is one reason working CO alarms are important.
Where does Minnesota require CO alarms?
Minnesota law requires an approved and operational carbon-monoxide alarm within ten feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping in single-family dwellings and dwelling units in multifamily dwellings.
Does a CO alarm replace furnace maintenance?
No. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes carbon-monoxide alarms as backup protection rather than a replacement for proper installation, use and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances.
What should I do if my carbon-monoxide alarm sounds?
Do not ignore an active CO alarm or stay inside trying to find the source. Move everyone outside to fresh air, call emergency services or 911, account for everyone and do not reenter until emergency responders say it is safe.
Safety and legal information in this article is based on guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Minnesota Revisor of Statutes.
