Furnace and Carbon Monoxide Safety
A cracked heat exchanger or poor venting can leak carbon monoxide — know the signs and protections.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless gas that furnaces can produce when something goes wrong. Detection and maintenance keep your family safe.
Warning signs of CO
Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue that improve when you leave the home. A yellow (not blue) burner flame, soot, and excess condensation on windows can also indicate combustion problems.
How to stay safe
Install CO alarms on every level and near bedrooms, test them monthly, and service your furnace annually so the heat exchanger and venting are inspected.
Key takeaways
- Install and test CO alarms on every floor
- Service the furnace yearly to inspect the heat exchanger
- A yellow flame or soot warrants immediate service
- Leave and call 911 if a CO alarm sounds
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