CARBON MONOXIDE MENACE

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of combustion. It is odorless and colorless, and in small quantities it can kill. In residential locations, CO is produced in a furnace, whether natural gas, propane or fuel oil.

Typically, CO escapes from the furnace when the heat exchanger deteriorates. CO escapes from the heat exchanger and mixes with the hot air being delivered to the home. A concentration of CO of 50 parts per million (ppm) is considered lethal.

A low cost way to protect the home is to install al carbon monoxide detector. These are available at home supply outlets for $20-40. The lower price models are battery operated and generate an alarm when high levels of CO are detected. Higher priced units plug in to electrical outlets and include battery backup. They also indicate ppm readings.

Residential furnaces generally are rated with a useful service life of about 20 years. It is a good idea to install a detector even in new construction, but after about 15 years a detector may be a matter of life and death.