Carbon monoxide is a common gas that is odorless, tasteless, and colorless. When it builds up in a small, enclosed space, it can quickly cause poisoning. Your body will start to replace the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide, causing severe tissue damage and even death. There are several ways to protect your family from the risks of this fatal gas, including annual air quality inspections by your HVAC contractor. Below is more information about where this gas leak originates and how to detect it.

What Causes Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide forms whenever a fuel source burns. So any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential source. These devices include dryers, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, and gas stoves. If any of these appliances are poorly maintained, inefficiently installed, or considerably old, they are at higher risk of being a source.

Furnaces and central heating boilers, in particular, are common causes of carbon monoxide leaks.

How to Detect Carbon Monoxide

The best way to detect carbon monoxide in your home is by investing in carbon monoxide detectors. Like smoke alarms, they should be spaced out about every 10 feet in your home. Another excellent way to catch leaks is by getting regular air quality inspections of your HVAC system.

Signs of possible leaks are the flame on your gas fireplace or stove burning orange, not blue, and excess condensation appearing on your windows. You may notice physical symptoms, such as flu-like feelings when you’re home that goes away when you leave, headaches, dizziness, and breathlessness.

If you suspect that there may be carbon monoxide leak, the first step you should do is air out the space and turn off any fuel-burning appliances. Then call your local contractor to set up an emergency air quality inspection.

Moeller Furnace in Fort Dodge, IA, is a family-owned and -operated HVAC contractor handling both residential and commercial HVAC for families in Coalville, Moreland, and the surrounding area. Whether you need air conditioning repair at the height of summer, an emergency heating installation in January, or an air quality inspection, their expert technicians are there to provide professional, reliable service. To find out more or set up your free estimate, call (515) 573-5831 or visit them online today.