That first chilly night of the year arrives. You walk over to your smart thermostat and switch it over to heat. Soon, a comforting warmth fills your home, and you feel safe and cozy from the cold outside.
However, a hidden danger can sometimes accompany that warmth. A problem with your furnace can create a serious risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and heating system failures. You want to feel secure in your home in Camden, Elgin, Lugoff, or Columbia, SC, so understanding this invisible threat is the first step.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that’s impossible to see or taste. That’s what makes it so dangerous—you have no idea it’s there until you start feeling its effects.
This gas is created when fuels like natural gas, propane, oil, or wood don’t burn completely in a process called incomplete combustion. Many appliances in your home use these fuels, including your furnace, some water heaters, gas stoves, and fireplaces. When these systems malfunction, they can produce carbon monoxide.
Even small amounts of carbon monoxide can be harmful when you breathe it in an enclosed space over time. It builds up in your bloodstream and prevents oxygen from reaching your organs and tissues. This is why a carbon monoxide leak can be so deadly.
When your heating system is working correctly, it’s perfectly safe. The furnace burns fuel to create heat, and it vents any harmful byproducts, including carbon monoxide, safely outside your home. Problems with your furnace gas supply or mechanics start when something goes wrong with that process.
One of the most common issues is a cracked heat exchanger. This is a metal part inside your furnace that separates the air you breathe from the combustion gases. If it cracks from age and use, carbon monoxide can leak directly into your home’s air supply.
Another major issue is a blocked vent or flue, which can lead to leaks. If the pipe that carries exhaust gases outside gets blocked by a bird’s nest, snow, or other debris, those dangerous gases have nowhere to go but back inside your house. This risk isn’t limited to furnaces. Other appliances, such as water heaters and space heaters, can also cause a carbon monoxide leak if they aren’t vented properly.
One of the scariest parts of carbon monoxide exposure is that its symptoms look a lot like the flu. Many people ignore the warning signs, thinking they just have a common bug. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
Early poisoning symptoms can be very subtle. According to most sources, initial symptoms include headaches, weakness, or some dizziness. You could also experience nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
A huge clue is if your symptoms get better when you leave your house but return once you’re back home. If multiple people in your household, and even your pets, suddenly feel sick at the same time, you should suspect carbon monoxide right away. As exposure continues, the symptoms can become much more severe.
| Exposure Level | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Mild Exposure | Dull headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. |
| Medium Exposure | Severe throbbing headache, confusion, drowsiness, impaired judgment, and rapid heart rate. |
| Extreme Exposure | Loss of consciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma, and death. |
You’re not helpless against this danger. You can take simple, powerful steps to protect yourself and your family. Following these safety tips just takes a little planning and attention.
The single best thing you can do is have a qualified HVAC contractor inspect your heating system every single year. It’s best to schedule furnace maintenance in the fall before you need to turn the heat on for the first time. Having your furnace professionally inspected can spot a cracked heat exchanger or other issues before they become life-threatening.
During a furnace service visit, a technician will typically check for any potential leaks, clean components, and confirm that the system is running efficiently. This can prevent carbon monoxide problems, avoid costly property damage, and even save money on your energy bills.
Think of a carbon monoxide detector as a smoke detector for this invisible gas. These monoxide alarms are an essential line of defense. We recommend you install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially outside sleeping areas.
Don’t just install them and forget them. You need to test your carbon monoxide alarms every month and replace batteries at least once a year. Most detectors have a lifespan of about five to seven years, so check the manufacturer’s date on the back and replace them when they expire.
Take a walk around the outside of your house and check your furnace and hot water heater vents. Make sure they aren’t blocked by bushes, debris, or anything else, especially after bad weather. It’s a simple check that can save a life.
The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning isn’t just from your furnace. Portable heaters and space heaters must be used according to their instructions and should never be used to heat your home while you sleep. Never use a generator, charcoal grill, or camp stove inside your home, garage, or any other enclosed space.
If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off or you suspect a leak because people feel sick, you must act fast. Don’t hesitate or try to find the source of the problem yourself. Follow these steps immediately:
Your home should be your safe haven, especially during the cold winter months. While your heating system gives comfort, keeping it properly maintained is what keeps it safe. Understanding the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning empowers you to take action and protect the people you care about most.
A few simple steps—such as having a professional perform an annual tune-up and installing carbon monoxide alarms—can give you genuine peace of mind. Taking these precautions helps you enjoy the warmth of your home in Camden, Elgin, Lugoff, or Columbia, SC, without worrying about this silent threat.
Kershaw, SC 29067
Mon - Fri 8am- 6pm
Sat - Sun Closed
