Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas you can't see or smell, made when fuel burns. A gas furnace that's working properly sends it up the vent and outside. When something goes wrong, it can end up in the house.
How a furnace can leak CO
- A cracked heat exchanger. The heat exchanger keeps the burning gas separate from the air you breathe. Years of heating and cooling can crack it.
- A blocked or disconnected vent. Nests, debris or a loose joint can stop exhaust from getting out.
- Poor combustion. A furnace that's out of adjustment can make more CO than it should.
Have working CO alarms
California requires carbon monoxide alarms in homes with gas appliances, a fireplace or an attached garage. Put one outside each sleeping area and on every level, test them monthly, and replace them at the age the maker gives (often around seven years).
Warning signs
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea or tiredness that ease when you leave the house
- A yellow or flickering burner flame instead of a steady blue one
- Soot or scorch marks around the furnace
- Unusual moisture on windows near gas appliances
If a CO alarm goes off
Get everyone, pets included, outside into fresh air, and call 911. Don't go back in until the fire department says it's safe. Then have the furnace checked before you use it again.
Prevention
A yearly maintenance visit includes looking at the heat exchanger, the burners and the vent. It's the best way to catch a problem early. See what a maintenance visit covers, or call us at 805-965-6326.
Related
More tips on heating, air quality.