Carbon monoxide and other harmful gases can be unsafe

Good ventilation and proper maintenance of furnaces, ductwork, and exhaust systems prevents carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and the buildup of other harmful gases in the home. Combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, can be back-drafted from the chimney or flue into living spaces if the furnace, fireplace, woodstove, or gas appliance is not properly vented or does not receive enough outside air. Back-drafting, along with poor ventilation, creates dangerous conditions that can threaten family health and safety.

Automobile exhaust from attached garages is another source of combustion gases. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is rarely a safety problem, but can indicate that your home has poor ventilation or exhaust problems that lead to a buildup of more harmful gases. If you answer, “yes” to any of the following questions, you may want to test for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or other harmful gases in your home. Do you have an attached garage? Does your home seem “stuffy”, especially in the winter? Have you ever smelled gas in your home? Have you ever noticed fumes from the furnace or fireplace? Have you ever noticed a metallic taste in your mouth when you’reheating your home? Click here to return to indoor air monotring.