Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is fatal in large doses. It’s often produced by a faulty furnace, and it’s nearly impossible to know if you have a carbon monoxide leak unless you can recognize certain warning signs.

The most obvious sign that you have a carbon monoxide leak is if your carbon monoxide detectors go off. You should have at least one carbon monoxide detector for each level of your home and near each bedroom. You should also place CO detectors near fuel-burning appliances and attached garages. Test them regularly, just like you would a smoke detector, and replace their batteries as needed.

You can also check your furnace for signs of carbon monoxide-related trouble. Schedule a furnace inspection and tune-up at least once a year, preferably in the fall before the main heating season begins. Carbon monoxide leaks are usually caused by a cracked heat exchanger, which is something that should be spotted during a routine inspection. If your heat exchanger is cracked, it will need to be replaced before you use your furnace this winter.

Other signs that your furnace might be in danger of leaking carbon monoxide include excessive soot around your furnace or fireplace, brown or yellow stains around your furnace, burning smells in your house, and stale air inside your home. Keep in mind that carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so you likely won’t be able to tell if you have a CO leak.

These are signs that your furnace may be in danger of leaking carbon monoxide into your home. Again, rely on your CO detectors. If you hear them go off, evacuate your home and call 911 as soon as you are in a safe location. Do not return to your home until you are told that it is safe to do so.

Finally, it pays to know the physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. These include:

• Headaches
• lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Irritability
• A loss of coordination

Contact Professionals for Immediate Help

If you’re concerned that your furnace is unsafe and could leak carbon monoxide, don’t hesitate to call We Care Heating & Air Conditioning for assistance for repair services or a furnace replacement. Our HVAC technicians can inspect your heating system and make any repairs necessary to keep it safe for your home. We serve homes throughout Central Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, and we will be happy to assist you whether your furnace needs repairs or if it hasn’t received a tune-up recently.