Carbon Monoxide from Furnace — Warning Signs

Professional Carbon Monoxide from Furnace — Warning Signs in Asheville & Western NC

The Silent Danger in Your Furnace

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete combustion in gas and propane furnaces. A properly functioning furnace vents all combustion gases safely outside through the flue. But when something goes wrong — a cracked heat exchanger, a blocked flue pipe, a malfunctioning draft inducer, or corroded venting — CO can leak into your living space. This is a life-threatening emergency that kills hundreds of Americans every year. Asheville and WNC homes with older gas furnaces are particularly at risk, especially those that haven't had a recent safety inspection.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Physical symptoms of CO exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue — symptoms that are easily mistaken for the flu. If multiple family members experience these symptoms simultaneously, especially when the furnace is running, leave the house immediately and call 911. Equipment warning signs include a yellow or orange furnace flame (it should be blue), soot or scorch marks around the furnace, excessive condensation on windows near the furnace, and a pilot light that frequently goes out.

Prevention and Professional Inspection

Install CO detectors on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area — this is your first line of defense. Beyond detectors, the only way to confirm your furnace is safe is a professional combustion safety test. Quality Comfort performs thorough furnace safety inspections that include heat exchanger inspection, combustion analysis, flue draft testing, and gas leak checks. If you have a gas furnace older than 15 years, we strongly recommend annual inspections. A cracked heat exchanger means the furnace must be shut down immediately and either the heat exchanger or the entire furnace must be replaced.