November marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, and the timing could not be better for Denver homeowners. As the temperatures drop, furnaces kick on, fireplaces get lit and windows stay shut for months. That combination makes this the season when carbon monoxide (CO) exposure becomes a real concern for families across the Front Range.
At Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric, we have been looking after Denver homes since 1980. As a family operated company, we think about your household the same way we think about our own. This guide covers what carbon monoxide is, where it comes from and the simple steps that keep your home safe all winter long.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a gas created when fuel burns without enough oxygen to burn completely. It has no color, no smell and no taste, which is why it is often called the “invisible killer.” You cannot see it or sense it on your own, so you need a working alarm to know it is there.
When you breathe in CO, it replaces the oxygen in your blood. Over time, your heart, brain and other organs are starved of the oxygen they need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning every year, and many thousands more end up in the emergency room.
Where Does Carbon Monoxide Come From in Your Home?
Any appliance that burns natural gas, propane, oil, wood or gasoline can produce carbon monoxide. When these appliances are installed correctly and kept in good repair, the gas vents safely outside. Problems start when a vent gets blocked, a part cracks or an appliance is not burning fuel the way it should.
Common Household Sources of CO
- Gas furnaces and boilers, especially with a cracked heat exchanger or blocked flue
- Gas water heaters with poor venting
- Gas ranges and ovens used to heat a room
- Fireplaces and wood stoves with a dirty or blocked chimney
- Cars running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open
- Portable generators, grills or space heaters used indoors
Your gas lines play a big role here too. Loose fittings, aging pipe or a poorly connected appliance can all lead to incomplete combustion or leaks. A licensed professional should handle any new gas line installation or appliance hookup.
Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Early symptoms of CO poisoning are easy to mistake for the flu or a bad cold. The big difference is that symptoms often improve when you leave the house and come back when you return. If several people or pets in your home feel sick at the same time, take that as a serious warning.
Physical Symptoms to Watch For
- Dull headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness and unusual tiredness
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Confusion or blurred vision
Clues Around the House
Your home can also give you hints that something is off. Keep an eye out for these signs, especially near gas appliances:
- A yellow or orange burner flame instead of a crisp blue one
- Soot or brown staining around a furnace, water heater or fireplace
- Excess condensation on windows near fuel-burning appliances
- A pilot light that keeps going out
If your CO alarm sounds or you suspect exposure, get everyone outside to fresh air right away and call 911. Do not go back inside until emergency responders say it is safe.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Your First Line of Defense
Since you cannot detect CO on your own, a working alarm is the single most important safety tool in your home. Colorado law requires carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas in many homes, including homes that are sold, rented or remodeled. Even if your home is not covered by the rule, an alarm is a small investment for a lot of peace of mind.
Where to Place CO Alarms
- Within 15 feet of every bedroom door
- On every level of the home, including the basement
- Near the door to an attached garage
- Away from bathrooms, vents and direct sunlight that can affect readings
How to Keep Your Alarms Working
- Press the test button once a month.
- Replace batteries at least once a year, or when the alarm chirps.
- Check the date on the back and replace the unit when it reaches the end of its life, usually 5 to 10 years.
- Consider interconnected or hardwired alarms so one alert sounds through the whole house.
Our electricians install and upgrade smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the Denver Metro Area. Combination units handle both smoke and CO, which keeps things simple for busy families. You can learn more about alarm types from the National Fire Protection Association.
Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide: Know the Difference
Homeowners sometimes mix up gas leaks and carbon monoxide, but they are two separate dangers. Natural gas has an added odor that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, so you can usually smell a leak. Carbon monoxide is the byproduct of burning fuel, and it has no smell at all.
Both deserve fast action. A gas leak can lead to fire or explosion, while a faulty appliance can quietly fill your home with CO. Knowing which one you are dealing with helps you respond the right way.
What to Do If You Smell Gas
- Leave the home immediately with your family and pets
- Avoid light switches, phones or anything that could create a spark inside
- Call 911 or your gas utility once you are safely outside
- Schedule a licensed plumber to locate and repair the source
Once the immediate danger is handled, our team can find and fix gas leaks in your lines, fittings and appliance connections. We pressure test the system so you know the problem is truly solved before we leave.
Simple Ways to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Problems
The good news is that most CO problems are preventable. A little attention before and during the heating season goes a long way. Here are the habits we recommend to every family we work with:
- Schedule a yearly furnace inspection before winter
- Keep outdoor vents and flues clear of snow, leaves and nests
- Have your chimney cleaned and inspected each year
- Never run a car, generator or grill inside a garage or home
- Never use a gas oven or stovetop to heat your house
- Call a pro if an appliance is making odd noises or smells
Our heating technicians check heat exchangers, venting and burners during every tune-up. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also offers helpful seasonal safety tips for homeowners.
Stay Ahead of Safety With the Home Care Club
The easiest way to stay on top of furnace inspections and safety checks is to let us remember for you. Our Home Care Club includes routine maintenance visits for your plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical systems. Members also enjoy perks like priority scheduling and savings on repairs.
Have questions about how membership works? Our Home Care Club FAQs cover the details so you can decide if it is a good fit for your family.
Why Denver Families Trust Brothers
We are a family operated company built on Family, Care, Excellence. Every visit is backed by our promise to be Prompt, Professional, Reliable, and our technicians treat your home with the same respect they show their own. Simply put, WE CARE about keeping your family safe.
- No overtime charges, 7 days a week
- 2 hour appointment windows that respect your time
- Precise Price approved before any work starts
- Centrally dispatched so the right tech reaches you fast
- Licensed and insured professionals
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Call Now to Protect Your Home This Winter
Whether you need new CO alarms, a furnace safety check or a gas line repair, our team is ready to help. Call, Text or Online, we make it easy to reach us. Call (303) 468-2294 or find Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric on Google Maps. Book Today, Your Way!
How do I know if I have carbon monoxide in my house?
The only reliable way to know is with a working CO alarm. Since the gas has no color or smell, you cannot detect it on your own. Physical symptoms like headaches or nausea that improve when you leave home can also be a warning sign.
What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
Get everyone, including pets, outside to fresh air immediately and call 911. Do not go back inside until emergency responders confirm it is safe. After that, have a professional inspect your fuel-burning appliances to find the source.
Can a furnace leak carbon monoxide?
Yes, a furnace is one of the most common sources of CO in Denver homes. A cracked heat exchanger, blocked flue or poorly adjusted burner can all cause problems. A yearly inspection is the best way to catch these issues early.
How often should I replace my carbon monoxide detector?
Most CO alarms last between 5 and 10 years, depending on the model. Check the manufacture date on the back of the unit and follow the replacement date listed. Test it monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
Does a gas leak cause carbon monoxide?
A gas leak and carbon monoxide are different hazards. Leaking natural gas smells like rotten eggs and creates a fire risk, while CO is produced when fuel burns incompletely. Both are serious, so treat either one as an emergency.
Where should carbon monoxide alarms be installed?
Place alarms within 15 feet of every bedroom and on every level of the home. Adding one near the door to an attached garage is also a smart move. Keep them away from bathrooms and heating vents so readings stay accurate.
Are combination smoke and CO alarms a good choice?
Combination alarms are a great option for many families because one device covers both hazards. They save wall space and make testing simpler. Hardwired, interconnected models add an extra layer of protection by sounding every alarm at once.
How can I lower my risk of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Schedule annual furnace and chimney inspections, keep vents clear and never run engines or grills indoors. Make sure your CO alarms are working and placed correctly. Joining a maintenance plan helps you stay on schedule without having to remember every task.
