Despite Richmond’s milder winters compared to more northern cities, below-freezing temperatures are still common throughout the colder months, especially at night. From the Fan and Carytown to Jackson Ward, Woodland Heights, and beyond, furnace use increases dramatically. This can strain older systems. When something goes wrong, a gas furnace can become dangerous.
One common danger is that the system begins leaking carbon monoxide, or CO. This colorless, odorless gas can be deadly in even relatively small concentrations, so awareness and quick action are essential. Understanding the signs, causes, and proper next steps can protect your family and your home.
Understanding Why Carbon Monoxide Is Dangerous
Carbon monoxide forms when fuel doesn’t burn completely. This can happen with gas or oil furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and even cars. Because it has no smell or color, homeowners often don’t realize there’s a problem until symptoms appear. CO binds to red blood cells more effectively than oxygen, preventing your body from getting the oxygen it needs. Prolonged exposure can cause serious health complications or death.
In Richmond, where many homes rely on natural gas or oil furnaces, seasonal use during colder months increases the risk of CO buildup, especially if the system hasn’t been properly maintained or ventilated.
Common Signs of a Furnace CO Leak
Recognizing the warning signs early can save lives. A carbon monoxide leak may not always be obvious, but sometimes, warning signs are clear if you know what to look for.
Signs of a CO Leak:
- Unexplained headaches, dizziness, or nausea among household members
- Unusual fatigue or confusion, especially during furnace operation
- Shortness of breath or chest pain indoors
- Stale, stuffy air or a musty smell when the furnace runs
- Soot or dark stains around furnace vents or registers
- Yellow or flickering flames instead of steady blue
- Excess moisture on windows or walls near the furnace area
- Pets acting lethargic or ill without explanation
Because the physical symptoms can mimic common illnesses, many people overlook them. If several family members develop similar symptoms that improve after leaving the house, it’s a strong indicator of CO exposure. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
What Causes a Furnace to Leak Carbon Monoxide?
Furnaces create CO naturally during combustion, but the system’s venting and heat exchanger are designed to prevent it from entering the home. A leak usually happens when something disrupts that process.
One common cause is a cracked or corroded heat exchanger that allows exhaust gases to mix with the air supply. In this case, the furnace has to be entirely replaced. Other times, it may be due to blocked or damaged flue pipes that prevent CO from venting outdoors. Improper furnace installation or modifications that affect airflow can also allow CO to release and build up to dangerous levels.
Occasionally, CO leaks could be due to issues relating to a lack of annual professional maintenance or safety inspections. For example, extremely dirty burners can cause incomplete combustion. Poor ventilation in enclosed furnace rooms or crawl spaces is another possible cause. This is one of many reasons that expert installation is extremely important, as not all furnace types and sizes can be installed safely in tight areas. Proper installation spacing around the furnace and overall ventilation are essential.
Also keep in mind that older systems, especially those more than 15 years old, are more susceptible to cracks and buildup that can lead to leaks.
Immediate Steps to Take If You Suspect a CO Leak
If you believe your furnace might be leaking carbon monoxide, act quickly. Your safety comes first. HVAC equipment and property can always be repaired later. Here’s what to do immediately:
1. Evacuate Everyone from the Home
Get everyone outside into fresh air right away, including pets. Do not try to find the source of the leak or restart your furnace.
2. Call for Emergency Help
Once everyone in your household is safely outside, call 911 or the Richmond Fire and Emergency Services Department directly at (804) 646-2500. They have the equipment and tools to safely enter your home to measure carbon monoxide levels, then can tell you when it’s safe to return.
3. Seek Medical Attention
If anyone in the home experiences dizziness, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, or confusion, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for medical assistance. Do not try to drive yourself or a family member to the ER if you feel any of these symptoms! You can also contact VCU Health at 804-828-7929 for a follow-up check later on, but keep in mind that this isn’t an emergency line.
4. Turn Off the Furnace If It’s Safe
If emergency personnel haven’t already done so, and you can safely reach your thermostat or power switch without re-entering a contaminated space, turn off your furnace. Do not go back inside if there’s any doubt. Richmond’s emergency service teams can confirm when it’s safe to re-enter your home. They may ask you where your furnace is located so they can shut it down for you, then give you a timeline for when it’s safe to reenter after ventilating your home.
5. Ventilate the Home and Call for Emergency Furnace Repair
Once emergency services confirm it’s safe, open windows and doors to keep allowing fresh air to circulate. Do not relight or restart the furnace until a licensed HVAC technician inspects it. Use blankets, fireplaces, and space heaters to stay warm until your technician is able to turn the furnace back on.
Protecting Your Home and Furnace After a Leak
A CO leak doesn’t always mean your furnace is beyond repair, but it does require thorough inspection and service. Your technician will typically go through a checklist of tasks to find the source of the problem and recommend solutions.
Steps a furnace repair technician takes to find the source of CO leaks:
- Test the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion
- Clean or replace blocked vent pipes and burners
- Check for proper airflow and ventilation
- Verify combustion efficiency and burner flame quality
- Recommend replacement if structural damage is extensive
Having a professional evaluate your equipment after any CO incident ensures that the underlying problem has been resolved, restoring confidence in your home’s safety and the efficiency of your heating system.
Preventing CO Leaks in the Future
CO leaks are largely preventable with routine furnace maintenance and attention to warning signs. Scheduling an annual furnace tune-up is the most straightforward way to make sure your system is ready to operate safely throughout the season. Regular service by a qualified technician can catch cracks, clogs, or airflow issues before they become safety issues.
One crucial maintenance task you can do as a homeowner is to regularly replace your furnace’s air filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder, potentially affecting combustion and exhaust flow. You can also keep vents and flues clear. In Richmond’s fall and winter, leaves, nests, and snow can block exterior vents. Check that all exhaust pipes are clear before turning on your furnace each season.
Aside from maintaining the furnace itself, every gas furnace owner should install carbon monoxide alarms if you don’t already have them. Working CO detectors should go on each floor of your home, outside bedrooms, and near the furnace area. The Richmond Fire Department recommends testing alarms monthly and replacing batteries twice a year. Have a professional place them strategically for best coverage.
Also, only hire reputable HVAC professionals for furnace repairs and maintenance. Too much can go badly wrong with the system to trust the work to informal “handyman” types or attempt DIY fixes. Even if the work is performed perfectly, it voids most manufacturer warranties to have work done by anyone but a licensed, certified heating technician.
Keeping Richmond Homes Safe and Warm
Carbon monoxide leaks from furnaces are serious, but with vigilance and proactive care, they’re preventable. Recognizing the warning signs, taking immediate safety steps, and scheduling professional inspections all help protect your family and property.
As your local heating specialists, we’re dedicated to helping Richmond homeowners maintain safe, reliable systems. If you need a furnace inspection, repair, or seasonal maintenance, contact Davis & Green today. We’ll make sure your Richmond home stays warm and safe all winter.
