Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poison gas that can be
fatal when inhaled. CO inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen.
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE
Inside your home, appliances used for heating and cooking are the most likely sources of
CO. Vehicles running in attached garages can also produce dangerous levels of CO.
CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel: gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil
and wood. It can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning,
improperly installed, or not ventilated correctly, such as:
Possible sources include furnaces, gas ranges/stoves, gas clothes dryers, water
heaters, portable fuel burning space heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and
certain swimming pool heaters. Blocked chimneys or flues, back drafting and changes
in air pressure, corroded or disconnected vent pipes, or a loose or cracked furnace
exchanger can also release CO into your building. Vehicles and other combustion
engines running in an attached garage and using a charcoal/ gas grill or hibachi in an
enclosed area are all possible sources of CO.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances caused by outdoor ambient
conditions such as: Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind, heavy air in the
vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles), negative pressure differential
resulting from the use of exhaust fans, simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning
appliances competing for limited internal air, vent pipe connections vibrating loose from clothes
dryers, furnaces, or water heaters, obstructions in, or unconventional, vent pipe designs which
can amplify the above situations, extended operation of unvented fuel-burning devices (range,
oven, fireplace, etc.), temperature inversions which can trap exhaust gasses near the ground,
car idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
CO SAFETY TIPS
Every year, have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by
a qualified technician. Always install appliances according to manufacturer’s instructions
and adhere to local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals
and inspected after installation. Regularly examine vents and chimneys for improper
connections, visible rust, or stains, and check for cracks in furnace heat exchangers. Verify
that the color of flame is blue on pilot lights and burners. A yellow or orange flame is a sign
that the fuel is not burning completely and may be releasing CO. Teach all household
members what the alarm sounds like and how to respond. Fire Departments, most utility
companies and HVAC contractors will perform CO inspections, some may charge for this
service. It’s advisable to inquire about any applicable fees prior to having the service
performed. Kidde will not pay for, or reimburse the owner or user of this product, for any
repair or dispatch calls related to the alarm sounding.
9. GENERAL CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) INFORMATION
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