Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. Its presence is most commonly associated with the incomplete combustion of fuels containing carbon. Sources often cited include furnaces, gas stoves, vehicle exhaust, and portable generators. Understanding potential sources of CO is critical for maintaining a safe indoor environment.
Preventing CO exposure is essential for public health. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to serious health problems, including brain damage and death. Early detection through the use of CO detectors and proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances are vital safety measures. Awareness of the symptoms of CO poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, is equally important.
While air conditioning systems do not produce carbon monoxide, related appliances like furnaces (often sharing ductwork) can, and these present a risk. Therefore, the following will address the connection between HVAC systems and carbon monoxide exposure risks, highlighting potential dangers and providing safety recommendations.
1. Furnace proximity
Consider a scenario: a home built in the 1970s, furnace tucked into a small utility closet adjacent to the main air conditioning unit. Over the years, small cracks develop in the furnace’s heat exchanger, imperceptible to the eye. The air conditioning ducts, running directly above the furnace, become conduits. Whenever the furnace cycles on, tiny amounts of carbon monoxide seep into the shared airspace, then get pulled into the AC’s ductwork and distributed throughout the house. The proximity creates a direct pathway, transforming the seemingly innocuous air conditioning system into a silent distributor of a deadly gas. A seemingly minor fault in the furnace, amplified by its location, poses a significant threat.
The danger of furnace proximity is not always obvious. Many homeowners assume that because their air conditioning system is purely for cooling, it presents no risk. However, heating and cooling systems frequently share infrastructure. Even if the furnace is operating nominally, its mere presence in close proximity to the air conditioning unit introduces a vulnerability. Dust and debris accumulating around the furnace can also exacerbate the problem by interfering with proper ventilation and combustion. Routine maintenance, including visual inspections for cracks and proper airflow around the furnace, is crucial in mitigating the risk. Furthermore, ensuring adequate sealing between the furnace enclosure and the air conditioning ductwork is a critical preventative measure.
The story of the 1970s home illustrates a vital point: furnace proximity elevates the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. The interconnectedness of HVAC systems means a problem in one can swiftly impact the other. While air conditioning units do not generate CO, they can become unwitting accomplices in its dissemination, especially when located near a malfunctioning furnace. Constant vigilance, regular maintenance, and properly functioning CO detectors are the best defenses against this silent threat.
2. Shared ductwork
Shared ductwork, a common feature in many residential and commercial buildings, can inadvertently transform an air conditioning system into a pathway for carbon monoxide distribution. The very design intended to efficiently circulate conditioned air can become a conduit for silent, deadly gas, bridging the gap between a potential source and the occupants.
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Interconnected Systems
Air conditioning and heating systems frequently utilize the same network of ducts to distribute air throughout a building. This interconnection, while efficient for climate control, creates a direct route for carbon monoxide from a faulty furnace or other combustion appliance to permeate the entire structure. A seemingly isolated problem in the heating system can quickly become a widespread hazard due to the interconnected nature of the ductwork.
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Pressure Dynamics
The operation of the air conditioning system can exacerbate the spread of carbon monoxide within shared ductwork. The blower fan, designed to circulate cool air, can inadvertently draw carbon monoxide from leaks or backdrafting sources into the duct system. The resulting positive pressure can then push the gas into various rooms, increasing the risk of exposure for occupants throughout the building.
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Compromised Seals and Joints
Over time, the seals and joints in ductwork can degrade, creating pathways for air leakage. If carbon monoxide is present in the duct system, these leaks provide an escape route for the gas to enter occupied spaces. Cracks, gaps, or poorly sealed connections can become significant points of entry, particularly in areas adjacent to or above potential carbon monoxide sources.
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Lack of Zoned Control
In systems without zoned control, the entire duct network is pressurized whenever either the heating or cooling system is in operation. This lack of isolation means that if carbon monoxide enters the ductwork in one area of the building, it can be readily circulated to all other areas served by the same system, regardless of whether those areas require heating or cooling. This widespread distribution increases the potential for widespread exposure.
The reliance on shared ductwork significantly elevates the risk associated with potential carbon monoxide sources. The air conditioning system, while not itself a generator of the gas, becomes an unwitting accomplice in its propagation. Regular inspections of both heating and cooling systems, coupled with proper maintenance and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors, are critical safety measures in buildings utilizing shared ductwork.
3. Cracked heat exchangers
The insidious nature of carbon monoxide poisoning stems from its invisibility and odorless character. A primary culprit in residential CO leaks is the cracked heat exchanger within a furnace. This component, essential for transferring heat produced by burning fuel to the air circulated throughout a dwelling, can deteriorate over time due to thermal stress and corrosion. When a crack forms, it breaches the separation between the combustion chamber and the air supply, allowing dangerous exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, to infiltrate the airflow. The air conditioning system, sharing ductwork, then becomes a vector, distributing the toxic gas throughout the building.
Consider the case of a family in suburban Chicago. Winter after winter, their furnace faithfully provided warmth, but unseen, a hairline fracture was developing in its heat exchanger. The air conditioning, dormant for months, would soon be reactivated during the summer months. When the furnace ran on the shoulder seasons, small amounts of CO leaked into the ductwork. With air conditioning season upon them the shared ventilation system was already contaminated with carbon monoxide. The family became ill with flu-like symptoms, but ignored the issue. Only the timely activation of a carbon monoxide detector averted a potentially fatal outcome. This highlights the critical importance of regular furnace inspections by qualified technicians. Identifying a cracked heat exchanger early can prevent it from becoming a silent killer. The cost of replacement pales in comparison to the potential health consequences of prolonged carbon monoxide exposure.
In summation, the integrity of the heat exchanger directly influences the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, particularly in homes with shared HVAC ductwork. A cracked heat exchanger negates the safety features of the furnace and turns the air conditioning system into a distributor of lethal gas. Regular inspections, professional maintenance, and functional carbon monoxide detectors are imperative for safeguarding against this preventable danger.
4. Blocked flues
The seemingly simple act of venting combustion byproducts outside a dwelling hinges on the integrity of the flue. A blocked flue, often overlooked, presents a significant pathway for carbon monoxide to accumulate indoors, and subsequently, potentially be circulated by air conditioning systems.
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Obstruction and Buildup
Flues, designed to channel exhaust gases away from furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances, are susceptible to obstruction. Debris, such as leaves, bird nests, or even collapsing chimney linings, can impede the flow. This blockage results in a back-up of combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, into the dwelling. The longer the blockage persists, the greater the accumulation of this deadly gas.
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Negative Pressure and Infiltration
Modern homes, often tightly sealed for energy efficiency, can create negative pressure situations. When a flue is partially blocked, the draw of the venting system can be compromised. This negative pressure can pull carbon monoxide from the compromised flue back into the home through the smallest cracks and gaps. The air conditioning system, operating independently, then draws this contaminated air into its circulation, distributing it throughout the building.
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Corrosion and Deterioration
Flue pipes themselves are not immune to the effects of weather and time. Corrosion can weaken the structure, leading to leaks. In older homes, flues may have been improperly sized or constructed for modern, high-efficiency appliances. This mismatch can accelerate deterioration and increase the risk of blockage and leakage, creating a pathway for carbon monoxide to seep into living spaces. Shared ductwork with the air conditioning further exacerbates the problem, allowing for wide distribution of the gas.
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The Silent Accumulation
The danger of a blocked flue lies in its gradual, often imperceptible nature. Carbon monoxide builds slowly, evading detection until concentrations reach dangerous levels. Unlike smoke or visible fumes, carbon monoxide provides no warning signs. The reliance on air conditioning to maintain comfort levels can mask the subtle symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, delaying detection and increasing the risk of severe health consequences.
The blocked flue, a seemingly minor maintenance issue, can have devastating consequences. By disrupting the safe venting of combustion gases, it sets the stage for carbon monoxide infiltration, an issue exacerbated by the distribution capabilities of air conditioning systems. Regular inspections and clearing of flues are vital preventative measures, safeguarding occupants from this silent threat.
5. Backdrafting
Backdrafting, a phenomenon where exhaust gases flow backward into a building rather than exiting through the flue, poses a significant risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This reversal of airflow can transform an air conditioning system from a mere climate control mechanism into an unwitting distributor of deadly gas throughout a structure.
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Combustion Appliance Dynamics
Backdrafting typically originates with fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, water heaters, or fireplaces. These devices rely on a pressure differential to draw exhaust gases up and out of the flue. When this pressure balance is disrupted, such as by competing exhaust fans, a downdraft in the chimney, or a tightly sealed home, exhaust gases, laden with carbon monoxide, can spill back into the living space. Imagine a scenario: a newly installed, high-powered kitchen range hood overwhelms the furnace’s exhaust system, reversing the flow of combustion byproducts. The resulting carbon monoxide quietly seeps into the air, eventually finding its way into the air conditioning system’s return vents.
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Building Pressure Imbalances
Modern, energy-efficient homes are often tightly sealed to minimize air leaks. While this reduces energy costs, it can also create negative pressure inside the home. Operating exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, or even the clothes dryer, can further exacerbate this effect. The negative pressure pulls air from any available source, including the compromised flue of a backdrafting appliance. The air conditioning system, drawing air for circulation, becomes a conduit for the contaminated air, distributing carbon monoxide throughout the building. Consider a home where all windows are closed, and multiple exhaust fans are running simultaneously. The resulting negative pressure overcomes the natural draft of the water heater, causing it to backdraft and release carbon monoxide.
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Interconnected HVAC Systems
Air conditioning and heating systems often share ductwork, creating a direct pathway for carbon monoxide distribution. If backdrafting occurs, the air conditioning system can draw the contaminated air into its circulation, spreading it throughout the building. The blower fan, designed to circulate cool air, unwittingly becomes a vehicle for dispersing the deadly gas. A family, feeling the need for cool air on a summer evening, turns on the air conditioning, unaware that a backdrafting furnace is simultaneously introducing carbon monoxide into the system. The cooling process masks the initial symptoms of CO poisoning, delaying detection until the situation becomes critical.
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Detection and Prevention
The key to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning from backdrafting lies in vigilant monitoring and preventative maintenance. Carbon monoxide detectors, strategically placed throughout the home, provide an early warning of elevated CO levels. Regular inspections of fuel-burning appliances and venting systems by qualified professionals are crucial. Addressing any issues that could contribute to backdrafting, such as improperly sized flues, competing exhaust fans, or negative pressure problems, is essential for ensuring a safe indoor environment. A homeowner, diligent in maintaining their appliances, notices soot accumulating around the water heater’s vent. A professional inspection reveals a partially blocked flue and a potential for backdrafting, prompting immediate repairs and preventing a potentially deadly situation.
The confluence of backdrafting and shared HVAC systems creates a potentially lethal scenario. Carbon monoxide, silently infiltrating a home, can be rapidly distributed by the air conditioning system, masking symptoms and delaying detection. Vigilance, regular maintenance, and functional carbon monoxide detectors are the best defenses against this insidious threat.
6. Poor ventilation
Poor ventilation functions as a catalyst in the dangerous equation relating air conditioning systems and carbon monoxide exposure. Insufficient airflow exacerbates the potential for CO accumulation within a building, transforming a minor leak into a life-threatening situation. The absence of adequate fresh air exchange hinders the dilution of carbon monoxide, allowing it to concentrate and potentially be drawn into the air conditioning system’s circulation. A tale from rural Maine illustrates this point: A family, seeking to winterize their home, meticulously sealed every crack and crevice. They also unknowingly obstructed the furnace’s fresh air intake. A small crack in the heat exchanger, normally inconsequential with proper ventilation, caused CO to build to dangerous levels. The air conditioning system, used sporadically to circulate air, became the delivery mechanism for the accumulating poison, nearly costing them their lives.
The link between poor ventilation and carbon monoxide risk is compounded by modern construction practices. Tightly sealed buildings, while energy-efficient, limit natural air exchange. This creates an environment where even small amounts of CO can quickly reach dangerous concentrations. When coupled with a malfunctioning furnace or other fuel-burning appliance, and air conditioning systems that recirculate indoor air, the consequences can be dire. Building codes often mandate minimum ventilation standards, but these are not always enforced or understood by homeowners. Furthermore, relying solely on exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms is often insufficient to ensure adequate whole-house ventilation. Balanced ventilation systems, which introduce fresh air while exhausting stale air, offer a more effective solution, but are not universally adopted. Properly placed and functional carbon monoxide detectors remain a crucial safeguard.
In conclusion, poor ventilation significantly amplifies the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when air conditioning systems redistribute the contaminated air. The combination of tightly sealed buildings, malfunctioning appliances, and inadequate airflow creates a perfect storm for CO accumulation. Understanding the importance of proper ventilation, adhering to building codes, and maintaining both heating and cooling systems are critical steps in mitigating this hazard. The story from Maine serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly benign energy-saving measures can have deadly consequences if proper ventilation is not maintained.
7. Appliance malfunctions
Malfunctioning appliances, particularly those using combustion, present a significant risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. While air conditioning units themselves do not produce CO, their role in circulating air throughout a building makes them complicit in distributing the gas should a leak occur due to faulty equipment. Consider a scenario in a quiet suburban home: a seemingly innocuous gas-powered water heater, its burner operating erratically due to a corroded component. Unbeknownst to the homeowners, the incomplete combustion process is releasing CO into the utility room. The air conditioning system, drawing air from the return vent located in the hallway near the utility room, then pulls this contaminated air into the ductwork and distributes it throughout the house. The family, initially experiencing mild headaches and fatigue, unknowingly attributes their symptoms to summer allergies, unaware of the silent threat circulating through their home.
The significance of appliance malfunctions in CO poisoning incidents cannot be overstated. Furnaces with cracked heat exchangers, gas stoves with improperly adjusted burners, and even portable generators operated indoors all pose substantial risks. The presence of a working air conditioning system further compounds this danger. Instead of remaining localized, the CO is spread throughout the building, increasing the exposure of all occupants. Regular maintenance and inspection of fuel-burning appliances are crucial for identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. A qualified technician can detect subtle signs of malfunction, such as unusual burner flames, excessive soot buildup, or unusual odors, which may indicate a CO leak. Furthermore, ensuring proper ventilation and the installation of functioning CO detectors are vital safety measures.
In summary, appliance malfunctions represent a primary source of CO exposure, and air conditioning systems can inadvertently amplify this risk by distributing the gas throughout a building. The seemingly benign act of cooling a home can transform into a dangerous scenario when coupled with a faulty fuel-burning appliance. The practical significance of understanding this connection lies in promoting awareness, encouraging preventative maintenance, and emphasizing the importance of CO detection to safeguard against this silent and potentially deadly threat.
8. Detector placement
The story of the Ramirez family underscores the critical role of strategic carbon monoxide detector placement. Their two-story home, equipped with a modern air conditioning system, seemed a bastion of comfort and safety. Unbeknownst to them, a slow leak was developing in the furnace flue, situated in the basement. Carbon monoxide, odorless and invisible, began to seep into the lower level. The only CO detector was positioned on the second floor, near the bedrooms. Because CO is lighter than air and rises the detector alerted the family with the problem it was designed for. The prompt response of the fire department averted a tragedy. This near miss highlights that while air conditioning systems themselves do not produce carbon monoxide, their function of circulating air throughout the house necessitates careful consideration of where carbon monoxide detectors are placed to ensure early detection in the event of a leak from another source.
Optimal carbon monoxide detector placement directly addresses the potential for air conditioning systems to distribute the gas. Detectors should be installed near bedrooms and on every level of the home, following manufacturer instructions. Specific attention must be paid to proximity to potential CO sources, such as furnaces, water heaters, and attached garages. Detectors should not be placed in locations where air flow is obstructed or near windows and doors that may cause false readings. High placement on walls, as carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air, and in hallways between sleeping areas and potential sources, maximizes detection capabilities. Homes with air conditioning systems should also consider placing a detector near the return air vent of the HVAC system, as this is a likely point of entry for any distributed CO. The Ramirez familys experience demonstrates that a single detector, even if functional, is insufficient to provide comprehensive protection. Multi-detector strategies are vital.
Effective carbon monoxide detector placement is not merely a suggestion; it is a life-saving measure, particularly in homes with air conditioning systems. The ability of these systems to rapidly circulate air throughout a building means that a CO leak can quickly spread to all occupied spaces. Strategic detector placement ensures early detection, providing occupants with the time needed to evacuate and seek medical attention. While air conditioning units are not a source of carbon monoxide, their pervasive influence on airflow makes proper detector placement a crucial component of a complete carbon monoxide safety strategy. Regular testing and battery replacements are essential to guarantee that detectors function correctly when needed most. The Ramirez familys story serves as a reminder that vigilance and proactive safety measures are the best defense against the silent threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The intersection of heating, cooling, and carbon monoxide generates considerable concern. These frequently asked questions address common misconceptions, offering insights into the real risks associated with HVAC systems and the potential for carbon monoxide exposure.
Question 1: Is it actually possible for an air conditioner to produce carbon monoxide?
An air conditioner, operating on the principles of refrigeration to cool air, does not itself generate carbon monoxide. The unit’s function involves circulating existing air over a set of cooling coils. Unlike furnaces or vehicles, no combustion process occurs. Attributing carbon monoxide production directly to the air conditioner is misdirected.
Question 2: If the AC doesn’t make CO, how is it involved in poisoning cases?
The involvement stems from circulation. Air conditioning systems distribute air throughout a dwelling. If a carbon monoxide source exists a faulty furnace, for example the AC becomes a facilitator, spreading the gas. It doesn’t create the threat, but it amplifies the exposure.
Question 3: Can a carbon monoxide leak in the furnace somehow “get into” the air conditioning system?
Yes, most commonly through shared ductwork. Many homes utilize the same network of ducts for both heating and cooling. A leak in the furnace, whether from a cracked heat exchanger or a blocked flue, can introduce carbon monoxide into this shared pathway, allowing the air conditioning system to distribute the gas throughout the building.
Question 4: My AC unit has a filter. Won’t that trap the carbon monoxide?
Standard air filters are designed to capture particulate matter such as dust and pollen. Carbon monoxide, a gas, passes directly through these filters unimpeded. Relying on an air filter to protect against carbon monoxide is a dangerous fallacy.
Question 5: I only use my AC in the summer, and my furnace in the winter. Does this seasonal separation eliminate the risk?
Not entirely. Even when the furnace is inactive, existing carbon monoxide leaks may persist. Furthermore, if the air conditioning system is used to circulate air for ventilation purposes, it can still distribute the gas. Seasonal use does not negate the need for vigilance and proper safety measures.
Question 6: Is there any way to adapt or modify my AC to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
Modifying the air conditioning unit itself is not the solution. Instead, focus should be placed on preventing carbon monoxide from entering the system in the first place. This includes regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances, ensuring proper ventilation, and, most critically, installing and maintaining functional carbon monoxide detectors throughout the building.
Understanding the nuances of carbon monoxide risk in relation to air conditioning systems is critical for safeguarding occupants. While the AC unit itself does not produce the gas, its role in air circulation makes it a potential factor in exposure. Prioritizing prevention and detection remains paramount.
Transitioning from understanding the risks to implementing practical safety measures is the next logical step. The following section will outline specific steps to minimize the likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure in homes with air conditioning systems.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Maintaining a safe home environment requires proactive measures to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. Recognizing that air conditioning systems, while not sources of CO, can circulate the gas throughout a building highlights the importance of a comprehensive safety strategy. The following tips provide actionable steps to minimize the risk.
Tip 1: Schedule Annual Furnace Inspections: A seasoned HVAC technician, much like a doctor examining a patient, can diagnose unseen problems within a furnace. Cracked heat exchangers, corroded burners, and obstructed flues can be identified and addressed before they become sources of CO. These inspections are particularly critical for older furnaces, where wear and tear can compromise safety.
Tip 2: Install and Maintain Carbon Monoxide Detectors: CO detectors are like silent sentinels, constantly monitoring the air for danger. Positioning them strategically throughout the home, particularly near sleeping areas and potential CO sources, is essential. Regular testing and battery replacements are non-negotiable, ensuring these devices function when needed most.
Tip 3: Ensure Proper Ventilation: A well-ventilated home is a safer home. Avoid sealing windows and doors too tightly, which can trap pollutants indoors. Regularly open windows, even briefly, to allow fresh air to circulate. Consider installing mechanical ventilation systems to ensure continuous air exchange.
Tip 4: Never Operate Fuel-Burning Appliances Indoors: Portable generators, charcoal grills, and propane heaters are designed for outdoor use only. Operating these appliances inside a home or garage can rapidly elevate CO levels to dangerous concentrations. Heed the warnings; lives depend on it.
Tip 5: Recognize the Symptoms of CO Poisoning: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion are early warning signs of carbon monoxide exposure. If these symptoms appear, especially when multiple occupants experience them simultaneously, evacuate the building immediately and seek medical attention. Prompt recognition can prevent severe health consequences.
Tip 6: Inspect and Maintain Chimneys and Flues: Just as a clogged artery can restrict blood flow, a blocked chimney or flue can impede the escape of combustion gases. Regularly inspect these venting systems for obstructions and ensure they are properly connected and sealed. A professional chimney sweep can remove debris and ensure proper function.
Tip 7: Understand the Risks of Shared Ductwork: Recognize that heating and cooling systems sharing ductwork create a pathway for CO distribution. Be extra vigilant about furnace maintenance and CO detector placement in homes with shared HVAC systems.
These tips, while seemingly simple, represent a powerful defense against the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Proactive maintenance, strategic detection, and awareness of potential risks are the cornerstones of a safe and healthy home.
Armed with these safety tips, the next step involves consolidating the acquired knowledge into a definitive conclusion, reinforcing the key takeaways and providing a final call to action.
Can You Get Carbon Monoxide from Air Conditioning
This exploration of “can you get carbon monoxide from air conditioning” reveals a complex relationship. While air conditioning units do not generate the gas, their role in circulating air transforms them into potential distributors of this silent killer. The danger lies not within the cooling process itself, but in the interconnectedness of HVAC systems, particularly the sharing of ductwork with fuel-burning appliances. Faulty furnaces, blocked flues, and backdrafting can introduce carbon monoxide into the airflow, which the air conditioning system then spreads throughout the building. The consequences, as illustrated by numerous real-world scenarios, can be devastating, ranging from debilitating illness to tragic loss of life. Regular maintenance, strategic detector placement, and awareness of potential risks are not merely suggestions but essential safeguards.
Consider the story of the Miller family, who awoke one winter morning feeling unusually unwell. Headaches, nausea, and a general sense of malaise permeated the house. They attributed their symptoms to a passing flu, unaware that a cracked heat exchanger in their furnace was silently filling their home with carbon monoxide. Had it not been for a functioning carbon monoxide detector, strategically placed near their bedrooms, the outcome could have been far different. Let their experience serve as a stark reminder: carbon monoxide is an invisible enemy, and vigilance is the only defense. Take action today. Inspect your furnace, install carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure proper ventilation. The safety of homes, and the lives of loved ones, may depend on it.
