Carbon Monoxide and Your Home

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause illness and even death when not properly vented by your furnace or appliances. Carbon monoxide comes from the incomplete combustion of common fuels such as heating oil, gasoline, coal, wood, charcoal, kerosene, propane and natural gas.

When properly operated and maintained, natural gas heating equipment and appliances are safe and efficient. But if your appliances or heating equipment are not properly operated and vented, carbon monoxide could back up into your living space.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Buildup

Look for the signs if carbon monoxide builds up in your home, including stuffy or stale air, very high humidity, fallen soot from your chimney or draft hood, or a hot draft coming from your draft hood.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

If carbon monoxide has been backing up into your living space for some time, you may experience carbon monoxide poisoning. If you think you’ve been affected, look out for flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and weakness, nausea, vomiting, stinging eyes, sleepiness and heart flutters.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors help detect the presence of carbon monoxide to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. There are many carbon monoxide detectors on the market. Regardless of brand, the detector you purchase should meet current UL standards and must be installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

  • Install a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Have an HVAC technician check your heating equipment annually.
  • Keep the area surrounding your gas appliances clear from clutter or trash.
  • Make sure your gas appliances and equipment are properly vented.

What You Should Do

If you believe you have carbon monoxide buildup in your home, leave the building immediately and call us at 888.352.5325.