WARNING: If you suspect you have a carbon monoxide leak, leave your home immediately and call a professional. Carbon monoxide can be very deadly, very quickly, and it is often not worth leaving up to chance.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large quantities. It is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal, or wood do not burn fully. Gas furnaces, if not operating properly or if they are poorly maintained, can be a significant source of carbon monoxide, posing serious health risks to occupants of a home.
Since carbon monoxide is undetectable by human senses, recognizing the warning signs of a potential leak, especially visual cues associated with equipment malfunction, is extremely important for your safety. Ideally, you have a working and tested carbon monoxide detector in the house, but if you’re like most people, you forget to test it once in a while and that can lead to anxiety when you think you may have carbon monoxide.
Visual Indicators of Potential Carbon Monoxide Production
While carbon monoxide itself is invisible, certain visual signs can indicate improper combustion in your gas furnace, which may lead to carbon monoxide production. Monitoring your furnace for these signs can help prevent CO exposure or help you determine if full panic is warranted.
- Soot Buildup – Black, sooty marks on the front cover of the furnace or around the venting pipes can indicate incomplete combustion, a common cause of carbon monoxide production. Soot accumulates when gas does not burn completely.
- Yellow or Flickering Flames – The flame in your gas furnace should be steady and blue. If the flame is yellow or flickering, this may suggest that the gas is not burning completely. This incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide.
- Excessive Condensation on Windows – Excessive moisture on windows inside the room where the furnace is installed can be a sign of a malfunctioning furnace and poor ventilation, conditions that may increase CO levels.
- Rust or Corrosion on Vent Pipes – Visible rust or corrosion on the furnace’s vent pipes can indicate that there are leaks or other faults in the venting system. These faults could potentially allow carbon monoxide to enter indoor spaces.
Aside from visual indicators, there may be non-visual signs as well. While CO doesn’t technically smell, a poorly functioning furnace can, so if the air in your home feels stale or stuffy, or if you notice an unusual smell when the furnace is running, it could be due to the presence of carbon monoxide reducing the oxygen in the air.
You should also be aware of physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If you or anyone in your household experiences these symptoms, evacuate immediately and seek medical attention.
Preventative Measures and Safety Tips
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure your gas furnace is operating safely, consider the following measures:
- Regular Maintenance – Have your furnace inspected and serviced by a qualified HVAC technician at least once a year to make sure it is in good working order and venting properly.
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Place CO detectors near the furnace and in sleeping areas. Check the batteries at least twice a year, and replace the detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation – Make sure that the area around your furnace is well-ventilated. Do not block or seal off any vents or doors that provide air circulation in the furnace area.
- Educate Your Household – Make sure all household members know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and understand what to do if they suspect CO is present.
While you cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, certain visual signs from your gas furnace can alert you to potential risks. By being aware of these signs and taking preventative measures, you can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Regular maintenance and the use of carbon monoxide detectors are essential steps in ensuring your home remains safe.