Carbon Monoxide Safety: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and potentially lethal. Any home with gas appliances -- furnace, water heater, stove, or fireplace -- has potential CO sources. Here is what you need to know to keep your family safe.

Common CO Sources

Gas furnaces with cracked heat exchangers are the most dangerous residential CO source. Water heaters with improper venting can spill combustion gases indoors. Gas stoves used for space heating without ventilation produce CO. Blocked or damaged flues prevent proper exhaust of combustion gases. Attached garages with running vehicles allow CO to enter the home.

Symptoms of CO Exposure

Low-level exposure causes headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue -- symptoms easily mistaken for the flu. Higher levels cause confusion, impaired judgment, and loss of consciousness. If multiple family members experience these symptoms simultaneously, especially during heating season, suspect CO exposure and evacuate immediately.

CO Detector Placement

California requires CO detectors outside each sleeping area and on every floor with a fuel-burning appliance. Install detectors on the wall about 5 feet from the floor or on the ceiling. Do not place them near windows, doors, or cooking appliances where drafts or normal cooking emissions may cause false alarms.

Prevention

Have your gas furnace inspected annually, including a heat exchanger examination and combustion analysis. Ensure water heater and furnace flues are properly connected and free of blockages. Never use a gas range or oven for space heating. Never run a vehicle or gas-powered equipment in an attached garage. Keep CO detectors in working condition with fresh batteries.

If Your CO Detector Alarms

Evacuate the home immediately. Call 911 from outside. Do not re-enter until emergency services has cleared the home. If someone is showing symptoms of CO exposure, seek medical attention. Then call PCG Climate to inspect and repair the gas appliance causing the problem.