Can Carbon Monoxide Come Through Air Vents In the House?

January 15, 2018

Carbon monoxide poisoning can have disastrous effects. What many people don’t realize is that carbon monoxide can come through air vents in the house. Don’t get blindsided by carbon monoxide poisoning—read on for more information to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Ways carbon monoxide can enter your home include:

• Blocked vents: During the winter months especially, it’s important to keep your furnace vents, intake valves, and chimneys free of snow. Blocked outside furnace vents could cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home, potentially resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning.A blocked vent also can affect the performance of your furnace, which may not run properly or not run at all when the intake or exhaust vent is blocked.

• Blocked fresh intake pipes: These usually look like white plastic tubes coming out of the side or back of your house. Even if snow accumulation hasn’t reached your vents, blowing and drifting snow can be enough to create a problem.

• Cracked heat exchanger: A cut or a break in a metal chamber within your furnace will release harmful gasses and carbon monoxide into your home. 

• Clogged furnace filter: An old, unchanged furnace filter will clog, which could potentially cause the furnace to let out carbon monoxide. 

• Incorrect furnace size:IIf the furnace for your home is the wrong size, it could create risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. 

• Incorrect venting: Incorrectly installed venting for your HVAC system could cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home. 

• Appliance Leaks: A gas stove or water heater can leak carbon monoxide into the air and circulate through your duct system.

• Postponed maintenance checks: A professional should look at your HVAC system and appliances on a regular basis to ensure safety. A routine tune-up is recommended at least once per year. 

One common question we get: Can carbon monoxide come from air conditioning? Not usually, since air conditioners don’t run on gas or some type of fuel. Gas and fuel used to generate heat are the main producers of carbon monoxide, so systems that use them are usually the culprit. 

Common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Dull headache

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Shortness of breath

• Confusion

• Blurred vision

• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect you have a carbon monoxide issue, don’t wait—immediately open the doors and windows of your home and leave home with your family and pets. After you’re in a safe place, call a professional immediately for emergency service.

 How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks In Your Home

• Keep vents clear: Make sure all vents, including any chimneys, are cleared of leaves, snow, debris, residue, dust, and nests. 

• Install a carbon monoxide detector: If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, we recommend that you install one immediately; if you already have one, make sure the batteries are working. This type of detector will alert you if unsafe carbon monoxide levels are in your home. 

• Schedule routine maintenance checks: Have a professional check your appliances for carbon monoxide at least once or twice a year to ensure they are working correctly. They can also check your vents to confirm they are clear and safe. 

Carbon monoxide leaks can come from incorrectly installed heating systems and ventilation problems, that’s why it’s important to have an HVAC company like A.J. Perri performs annual furnace maintenance on your system.

If you’re concerned about blocked furnace vents in your home, or your regular maintenance check is overdue, contact A.J. Perri and schedule maintenance service online now. Do you have questions? Call to speak to an expert and we’ll will be happy to assist you.