by Jeff Seawell, House Detective Home Inspection Services

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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. At high levels of exposure, it can cause death. 

Carbon Monoxide can come from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke.  Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking. 

CO alarms are designed to detect elevated levels of CO and sound an alarm to alert you and your family of a potential poisoning risk.  Like smoke detectors, CO alarms need to be tested regularly and have the batteries replaced at least once a year.