What Should The Carbon Monoxide Level Be

Carbon monoxide (CO) – it’s the silent killer. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it, but it can be deadly. Many homeowners experience the unsettling situation of a carbon monoxide alarm going off, or suspecting a problem due to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea. The question is: what should the carbon monoxide level be in your home, and what do you do when it's not?

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Levels

Let's start with the basics. Zero is the ideal carbon monoxide level. However, CO is present in trace amounts in the atmosphere due to natural processes and incomplete combustion. So, here's a breakdown of what different CO levels mean:

0-9 ppm (parts per million): Generally considered safe, especially for short periods. This is the range you ideally want to see in your home.
10-35 ppm: Can cause mild symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and nausea, especially with prolonged exposure. This range warrants investigation.
36-99 ppm: Moderate CO poisoning symptoms can occur. Evacuate and ventilate. Requires immediate attention.
100+ ppm: Dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Evacuate immediately and call emergency services.

It’s important to note that even low levels of CO can be dangerous for vulnerable individuals like infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with heart or respiratory problems. Always err on the side of caution.

Troubleshooting High Carbon Monoxide Levels: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your CO alarm is sounding, or you suspect a CO leak, do not ignore it! Follow these steps calmly and methodically:

Step 1: Ensure Your Safety and Evacuate

The most important step is to protect yourself and your family. If your CO alarm is sounding:

Immediately evacuate everyone from the house, including pets.
Leave doors and windows open if possible, as you exit, to ventilate the building.
Do not re-enter until the problem is resolved and the air has been thoroughly tested.
If anyone is experiencing severe symptoms like loss of consciousness, call 911 (or your local emergency number) from outside the house.

Step 2: Silence the Alarm and Ventilate

Once you're safely outside:

Silence the CO alarm. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for how to do this.
Continue to ventilate the house by opening doors and windows. The goal is to get fresh air circulating.

Step 3: Identify Potential Sources

Now, try to identify potential sources of CO. Common culprits include:

Furnaces: Malfunctioning furnaces are a major source of CO.
Water heaters: Gas-powered water heaters can also produce CO.
Fireplaces: Wood-burning fireplaces can release CO if not properly ventilated or if the chimney is blocked.
Gas stoves and ovens: While typically used for cooking, improper combustion can release CO. Never use gas stoves or ovens to heat your home.
Generators: Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, or shed. Generators produce a significant amount of CO.
Vehicles: Running a car inside a garage, even with the door open, can quickly lead to dangerous CO levels.
Portable heaters: Kerosene or propane heaters can also produce CO. Ensure proper ventilation if using them.
Blocked chimneys or flues: Obstructions can prevent proper ventilation of combustion byproducts.

Step 4: Perform a Visual Inspection

Carefully inspect the potential sources you identified:

Furnace and water heater: Look for signs of rust, corrosion, or damage to the venting system. Check for soot or discoloration around the unit. Ensure the flame is blue, not yellow or orange (a yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion).
Fireplace: Check for obstructions in the chimney. Look for soot buildup. Ensure the damper is fully open when using the fireplace.
Gas stoves and ovens: Make sure the burners are clean and the flames are burning blue.

Step 5: Simple DIY Fixes (If Applicable and Safe)

Some problems have simple solutions you can attempt yourself, but only if you are comfortable and confident in doing so. If not, skip to Step 6 and call a professional.

Replace batteries in CO detectors: Low batteries can cause false alarms. Replace the batteries and test the alarm.
Clean burner heads on gas stoves: Clogged burner heads can cause incomplete combustion. Carefully clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Ensure proper ventilation: Make sure vents are clear and not blocked by furniture or debris.
Clear minor obstructions in chimneys: If you can safely reach a minor obstruction in the chimney (like leaves or a small bird's nest), carefully remove it. Do not attempt this if it requires climbing on the roof or using specialized tools.

Important Safety Note: Never attempt to repair gas appliances yourself unless you are a qualified technician. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous.

Step 6: When to Call a Professional

There are many situations where professional help is absolutely necessary:

If you are uncomfortable or unsure about any of the steps above.
If you suspect a gas leak.
If the CO alarm continues to sound after ventilation and simple fixes.
If you find any signs of damage, corrosion, or malfunction on your furnace, water heater, or other gas appliances.
If you suspect a blocked chimney or flue that you cannot safely clear yourself.
If anyone in your household is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning.
If you've had to use a generator recently (even if it was outside), it's wise to have your home inspected for any residual CO.

In these cases, contact a qualified HVAC technician, a certified chimney sweep, or your local gas company. They have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and repair the problem safely and effectively.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Buildup

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some key steps to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home:

Install carbon monoxide detectors: Install CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test them regularly (at least once a month) and replace the batteries annually (or as recommended by the manufacturer). Replace the detectors themselves every 5-7 years, as they have a limited lifespan.
Schedule regular maintenance: Have your furnace, water heater, and other gas appliances inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician. This can help identify and address potential problems before they become dangerous.
Inspect chimneys and flues: Have your chimney and flues inspected and cleaned regularly by a certified chimney sweep. This will ensure proper ventilation and prevent blockages.
Never use gas appliances improperly: Never use gas stoves or ovens to heat your home. Never operate generators inside a home, garage, or shed.
Educate your family: Make sure everyone in your household knows the symptoms of CO poisoning and what to do if the CO alarm sounds.
Be aware of vehicle exhaust: Never run a car inside a garage, even with the door open.

Understanding CO Detector Readings: A Deeper Dive

While the general guidelines above are helpful, understanding how your specific CO detector displays information can be crucial. Some detectors show a real-time CO level reading, while others only sound an alarm when a certain threshold is reached. Refer to your detector's manual for specific instructions and alarm thresholds.

Also, be aware of the difference between a single event and a persistent problem. A brief spike in CO levels might occur when a gas appliance is first turned on. However, if the levels remain elevated for an extended period, it indicates a problem that needs to be addressed.

Addressing False Alarms

Sometimes, CO detectors can sound false alarms. This can be due to:

Low batteries: As mentioned earlier, low batteries are a common cause of false alarms.
Humidity: High humidity can sometimes trigger a false alarm.
Dust or debris: Dust or debris buildup inside the detector can also cause false alarms.
Insect infestation: Small insects can sometimes trigger the alarm.
End of life: CO detectors have a limited lifespan and may start to malfunction as they age.

If you suspect a false alarm, try these steps:

Replace the batteries.
Clean the detector with a vacuum cleaner (use the brush attachment).
If the alarm continues, try moving it to a different location.
If all else fails, replace the detector.

Before assuming it's a false alarm, ventilate the house and check for potential sources of CO. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Long-Term Monitoring

For added peace of mind, consider using a CO detector with a display that shows the peak CO level detected over a period of time (e.g., the past 30 days). This can help you identify trends and potential problems before they become critical.

Furthermore, if you are particularly concerned about CO exposure, you can purchase a portable CO monitor to take readings in different areas of your home or even in your car.

Empowering You to Stay Safe

Understanding carbon monoxide and how to respond to potential leaks is vital for protecting yourself and your family. By following these steps, you can troubleshoot common problems, identify when professional help is needed, and take proactive measures to prevent CO buildup in your home. Remember, your safety is paramount. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek professional assistance.