Carbon Monoxide Safety in Garrett: Furnace Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
One of the most serious risks we see every winter doesn’t involve broken parts or cold air—it involves carbon monoxide in furnace systems that appear to be working just fine. Because carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, many homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until it becomes dangerous.
At T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc., keeping families in Garrett safe is just as important to us as keeping homes warm. Basic carbon monoxide awareness will help your family stay safe this winter when using any gas appliances, not just your heating system.
In this blog, we talk honestly about how gas furnaces can leak carbon monoxide, the warning signs you should never ignore, and how professional furnace repair can prevent a small issue from turning into a life-threatening emergency.
Why a Furnace Leaking Carbon Monoxide Is So Dangerous
Carbon monoxide is produced when natural gas doesn’t combust completely. In a properly working furnace, exhaust gas containing carbon monoxide and other byproducts is safely vented outside your home via the flue pipe. When something goes wrong, carbon monoxide can leak into your living space instead.
CO leaks are so dangerous because you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause common symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, chest pain, and confusion. Homeowners may think they have the flu because the symptoms can be similar, though carbon monoxide in furnace equipment is to blame. In severe cases, loss of consciousness or even death.
Natural gas furnaces are safe when they’re installed correctly and properly maintained. Problems happen when parts wear out, vents become blocked, or combustion airflow is disrupted.
How Gas Furnaces Can Leak Carbon Monoxide
Homeowners often ask how a furnace that’s still heating the house could be dangerous. Unfortunately, several common furnace issues can allow carbon monoxide to escape.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
Gas furnaces rely on the combustion process to create heat, which is transferred to the air through the heat exchanger. The furnace’s heat exchanger separates combustion gasses from the air that circulates through your home. Over time, metal tubing expands and contracts with heating cycles, which can cause cracks. When that happens, carbon monoxide can mix with indoor air. This is never a DIY fix and always requires professional furnace repair.
Blocked or Damaged Venting System
Your furnace relies on a flue pipe or vent system to carry exhaust gasses outdoors. Snow buildup, bird nests, rusted vent pipes, or disconnected flues can block flue pipes and cause exhaust to back up into your home instead of exiting safely.
Improper Gas Combustion
Dirty burners, incorrect gas pressure, or lack of airflow can cause incomplete combustion. When gas doesn’t burn cleanly, carbon monoxide levels increase. This is something we commonly catch during routine furnace inspections.
Backdrafting Issues
If your home doesn’t have proper airflow or negative pressure develops, exhaust gasses can be pulled back into the house instead of venting out. Bathroom fans, kitchen hoods, or other appliances can contribute to this problem.
Older or Poorly Maintained Furnaces
As furnaces age, components wear down. Even systems that seem to “run fine” may no longer burn fuel efficiently or vent safely.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Critical
Carbon monoxide detectors are a non-negotiable safety feature in any home with a gas furnace, water heater, fireplace, or other gas appliances. Because carbon monoxide in furnace systems gives no visual or smell-based warning, detectors are often the only thing standing between a minor furnace issue and a serious health emergency.
A furnace can leak carbon monoxide slowly due to issues like a cracked heat exchanger or blocked vent, causing symptoms that are easy to mistake for the flu or fatigue. Detectors provide an early alert, especially at night when exposure is most dangerous.
We advise installing detectors on every level of your home and near bedrooms, testing them monthly, and replacing them every five to seven years. Our qualified technicians are available to install CO detectors in proper locations throughout your home to provide critical early warning. Every CO detector should be tested monthly, and replaced every five to seven years.
If your detector goes off, leave the house immediately and call emergency services first. Once everyone is safe, contact us for emergency furnace repair.
Early Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
While carbon monoxide is silent, your furnace often gives warning signs before a detector ever sounds. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc. right away.
- Unusual Furnace Odors: While carbon monoxide itself has no smell, other combustion problems can produce sharp, metallic, or burning odors.
- Soot or Rust Around the Furnace or Vents: Black residue or rust near the furnace, vent pipe, or registers is a red flag that combustion isn’t happening properly.
- Yellow or Flickering Burner Flames: Gas furnace flames should burn steady and blue. Yellow or orange flames can indicate incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide in furnace exhaust.
- Frequent Headaches or Dizziness at Home: If symptoms improve when you leave the house, don’t ignore it. Your furnace could be the source.
- Excessive Condensation on Windows: High moisture levels inside the home during heating season can sometimes be caused by venting problems.
Furnace Repair Helps Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks
One of the biggest misconceptions is that furnace repair only matters when heat stops working. In reality, professional furnace repair is a major safety service.
When we service a gas furnace, we inspect heat exchangers, test combustion gasses, check venting, and verify proper airflow. We look for early signs of failure that homeowners can’t see.
Many carbon monoxide leaks are preventable when caught early. A loose vent connection or dirty burner is much easier and safer to fix before it becomes a serious hazard.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Problems Before They Start
There are steps every Garrett homeowner can take to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide in furnace systems.
1. Have Your Furnace Installed Properly
Many carbon monoxide issues begin with improper installation. Professional installation by a qualified technician sets the furnace up to burn fuel efficiently and vent exhaust safely outside.
2. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Yearly inspections allow us to spot small problems before they turn dangerous and verify your furnace is functioning properly. This is especially important for older furnaces.
3. Keep Vents Clear
After heavy snow or storms, check outdoor exhaust pipes to make sure they’re not blocked by snow or ice.
4. Don’t Ignore Performance Changes
Strange noises, uneven heating, or rising gas bills can all signal combustion issues. If these changes occur, it’s best to schedule furnace repair to uncover the cause.
5. Never Attempt Furnace Repairs Yourself
Gas furnaces involve combustion, electrical components, and venting systems. DIY repairs can make carbon monoxide risks worse.
Your Furnace Should Keep You Warm, Not Put You at Risk
Carbon monoxide in furnace systems is a serious issue, but it’s also one we know how to prevent, diagnose, and repair. With professional furnace repair and routine maintenance, you can stay warm without putting your household at risk.
If you suspect a problem with your furnace, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. When your furnace is showing warning signs, if a carbon monoxide detector has gone off, or if you simply want peace of mind before winter sets in, T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is here to help. We approach every call with safety first, and we never take shortcuts when it comes to your home and family.
If you have concerns about your gas furnace, reach out to T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today for furnace repair. We’re here to keep Garrett homes safe, comfortable, and protected all winter long.