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Furnace carbon monoxide safety: what every Chicago homeowner should know
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is odorless and colorless. It comes from incomplete combustion in furnaces, boilers, water heaters and other fuel-burning appliances.
Warning signs
Headache, dizziness, nausea and flu-like symptoms that improve when you leave the home. Pets and several people feeling ill at once are a clue.
Alarms
Illinois law requires CO alarms near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace them on the manufacturer's schedule.
If an alarm sounds
Get everyone outside, call 911, and don't go back in until responders say it is safe.
Common causes
- A cracked heat exchanger.
- A blocked flue or vent, including snow and ice over exhaust pipes.
- Poor combustion from dirty burners or incorrect gas pressure.
- Using an oven for heat, or running a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
Prevention
A yearly furnace or boiler tune-up includes a CO test, a gas pressure check, and an inspection of the heat exchanger and venting. Our technicians test with a carbon monoxide detector at the appliance. See our maintenance plans.
Need a hand? See our maintenance plans, grab a coupon, or call 773-644-8227.
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