Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the “silent killer” because it is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is nearly impossible to detect without specialized equipment. In the winter, one of the most common sources of CO leaks in homes is a malfunctioning or poorly maintained furnace. Since your health and safety are our top priority, Nugent Mechanical Contractors wants to ensure homeowners in Lubbock understand the warning signs and how to protect themselves.
Why Your Furnace Can Leak CO
Natural gas, propane, and oil furnaces burn fuel to create heat. When the fuel burns cleanly, the byproducts (including CO) are safely vented outside through the flue. A leak occurs when:
- A Cracked Heat Exchanger: This is the most common cause. Over time, heat and stress can cause cracks in the heat exchanger, allowing CO to mix with your conditioned air and be distributed throughout your home.
- A Blocked Flue or Chimney: Debris, leaves, or even bird nests can block the vent pipe, preventing harmful exhaust gases from escaping outside. This forces CO back into your living space.
- Improper Ventilation: If the furnace itself is starved for fresh air, it can lead to incomplete combustion, which produces much higher and more dangerous levels of CO.
Physical Warning Signs: Symptoms of CO Poisoning
The symptoms of CO poisoning are often mistaken for the flu or a bad headache, which makes the gas so dangerous. If you or members of your family experience any of the following, especially when you are inside your home and the symptoms improve when you leave, a CO leak is a serious possibility:
| Early Symptoms (Mild) | Advanced Symptoms (Severe) |
| Dull headache (often throbbing) | Dizziness and lightheadedness |
| Nausea and vomiting | Confusion and impaired judgment |
| Weakness and fatigue | Loss of consciousness |
| Shortness of breath | Chest pain (especially in those with heart disease) |
If you suspect CO poisoning, get everyone, including pets, out of the house immediately and call 911.
Equipment Warning Signs: Your Furnace is Telling You Something
Beyond physical symptoms, your furnace and surrounding equipment often display noticeable warning signs that signal a problem with combustion or venting:
- Yellow or Orange Pilot Light: The pilot light or burner flame should be a crisp blue color. A yellow, orange, or unsteady flame indicates incomplete combustion, which produces more CO.
- Excess Moisture/Condensation: Excessive condensation on cold surfaces like windows or cold exterior walls near the furnace can be a sign that exhaust gases are not venting properly.
- Soot or Stains: Streaks of soot, rust, or black/brown stains around the furnace, vent pipe, or appliance openings are major indicators of a serious venting issue.
- Unusual Odors: While CO itself is odorless, the exhaust fumes from a failing furnace may smell “stale” or “stuffy.”
The Most Important Safety Device: The CO Detector
The only reliable way to detect carbon monoxide is with a Carbon Monoxide Detector.
- Install detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
- Check and replace the batteries (or the unit itself, typically every 5–7 years) according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- If the alarm sounds, evacuate the house immediately and call 911 and then Nugent Mechanical.
Preventative Care is the Best Defense
The best way to prevent a CO leak is through annual professional maintenance. During a tune-up, a Nugent Mechanical technician will perform crucial safety checks, including inspecting the heat exchanger and ensuring all venting is clear and properly sealed. Don’t gamble with your family’s safety. Contact Nugent Mechanical today to schedule your safety inspection and ensure your furnace is running cleanly and safely all season long.