Charlotte Free HVAC Replacement Estimates

Home / Heating /Indoor Air Quality / Sources of and Clues to Possible Carbon Monoxide

Sources of and Clues to Possible Carbon Monoxide

Whats Invisible, has no Smell, and Leaves Flu-like Symptoms?
Answer: Carbon Monoxideimages

Millions of homeowners are exposed to Carbon Monoxide and do not know it until the family is exposed to a harmful amount at or about 70 ppm (parts per million) for over 3.5 hours. International limits for unsafe levels are between 15 and 35 ppm.

Carbon Monoxide can come from additional sources in your home besides your heating equipment. These sources include: Hot Water Heater, Gas Range Stove, Gas Logs, Space Heaters, Boilers, and even attached garages. B&E Air Conditioning & Heating can test CO levels in any building, identify the source, and correct the problem.

The following are steps to take to reduce Carbon Monoxide exposure at home

  • Carbon Monoxide by vehicle is deadly. Move it outside and out of the garage to warm up
  • Do not use a gas oven to heat your home. It can produce high CO levels when doors are open
  • Double check gas furnace and water heater for damaged or disconnected flue pipe
  • Double check that the fire place flue is open when in use
  • Keep combustion appliances clear to allow combustion air from entering the room
  • Do not burn charcoal or gas BBQs in a garage or enclosed area
  • Do not use unvented kerosene or gas space heaters indoors for long periods of time
  • Do not start a lawn mower or other gas powered appliances in the garage or shed
  • Be aware of CO poison and act immediately if symptoms are realized
  • Have a low level CO monitor in your home

2 Responses to “Sources of and Clues to Possible Carbon Monoxide”

  1. BOYD JACOBS Says:
    October 31st, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    WILL A SMALL CRACK IN THE HEAT EXCHANGE OF A GAS PACK PRODUCE CARBON MONOXIDE.IF SO ABOUT HOW MUCH?& HOW DOES IT ENTER THE HOUSE? THANKS

  2. Eddie Burkhalter Says:
    December 1st, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    NO, and Yes. If the gas on the burner is burring all the fuel then the bi product is water vapor. But if the gas does not burn all the fuel or the gas and air mixture is off then it produces carbon monoxide. If Piedmont gas company checks the furnace and they find a crack they turn it off and red tag the furnace and will not cut the gas back on till a qualified service tech repairers the problem. If we find a crack we cut off furnace and have the owner sigh a waver so you don’t sue us if you get co poisoning. But you can cut it back on (we show you the switch)

    Bottom line if you have a crack in your furnace replace the furnace. Even if co is not coming into the house flu gas are coming inside the same gas that goes up the chimney. The air that blows accross the heat exchanger will pick mix with the fire inside the heat exchanger. The bigger the crack the more flu gas will mix with your air in the house. The longer the furnace runs (like a 20 deg night ) the crack will get larger.
    thanks
    Eddie

Leave a Reply