Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels — natural gas, propane, wood, gasoline, etc. It bonds to hemoglobin 200x more readily than oxygen, displacing oxygen in the bloodstream. At low levels it causes headaches, dizziness, and nausea. At higher levels it kills.
Every Colorado Home Needs CO Detectors
Working CO detectors on every floor — and within 10 feet of every bedroom — are required by Colorado state law in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Replace CO detectors every 5-7 years (they have an internal lifespan).
HVAC sources of CO leaks
- Cracked heat exchanger on a gas furnace (most common)
- Blocked or damaged venting (chimney, flue, PVC vent pipe)
- Backdrafting due to building depressurization
- Improperly sized or installed combustion air supply
- Gas water heater problems
- Cracked boiler heat exchanger
Symptoms of CO exposure
- Headache (most common early symptom)
- Dizziness, nausea, vomiting
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Cherry-red lips/skin (advanced)
- Loss of consciousness
If your CO detector alarms: leave the home, get fresh air, call 911 if anyone has symptoms, then call us. 24/7 emergency dispatch.
Related: Heat Exchanger, Combustion Air, Furnace.
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Right Way Mechanical is a family-owned HVAC contractor serving Wheat Ridge, Arvada, west Denver, and the Colorado foothills.