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Carbon Monoxide Safety: What to Watch for and What to Do

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that can be produced when fuel-burning equipment—such as furnaces, water heaters, or fireplaces—doesn’t work properly or vents are blocked.

CO is often called the “silent killer” because you cannot see or smell it. Learn how to protect yourself and your family below.

If your CO alarm sounds

You or other occupants may experience symptoms of CO poisoning.

  1. Go outside immediately.
  2. Call 911 or your local emergency services from a safe location.

Do not re-enter the home until it is determined safe by a qualified professional, such as a firefighter.

3 simple steps to stay safe

Protect your home with these simple actions.

Graphics of kitchen appliances

1. Maintain your appliances

Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a licensed contractor each year.
Reminder: Never use outdoor equipment—such as generators, patio heaters, or barbecues—inside your home or garage.

Graphics of a carbon monoxide alarm

2. Install carbon monoxide alarms

Install CO alarms near sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
Test them monthly, replace batteries twice a year, and check the expiration date.

Graphics of an outdoor vent

3. Keep vents clear

Make sure exhaust vents from all natural gas appliances are not blocked.
Have your chimney inspected annually.

Know the symptoms

CO poisoning symptoms are similar to those of the flu (without the fever). To stay safe, install CO alarms in accordance with local and state requirements. Test CO alarms monthly and change the batteries and check the expiration date of CO alarms twice a year.

Depending on the amount of CO inhaled and the length of exposure, symptoms may include:

Low concentration

  • Slight headache
  • Shortage of breath during moderate physical activity

Higher concentration

  • Severe headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Mental confusion
  • Weakness
  • Vision/hearing impairment
  • Collapse or fainting
  • Loss of muscle control, drowsiness

Extreme concentration

  • Unconsciousness
  • Brain damage
  • Death

Frequently asked questions

Any fuel-burning appliance that isn’t working or installed properly can release CO: furnaces, stoves, grills, fireplaces or vehicles. CO can build up indoors and poison people and pets who breathe it. CO can also be produced from the exhaust of cars, lawnmowers, snowblowers or anything that burns oil, gas, wood or coal.

  1. Install CO alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed or per the manufacturer’s guidance, and check the alarm’s expiration date twice a year.
  2. Have all of your fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a licensed HVAC professional.
  3. Never use outdoor fuel-burning equipment (generators, patio heaters, barbecues) inside your home or garage.
  4. Check that the vents from all natural gas appliances are unobstructed; clear appliance intake and exhaust vents after every storm; conduct regular checkups to ensure that your chimney and other natural gas appliance vents are not blocked, remain in good condition and function properly.
  5. Never run your vehicle inside an attached garage, even with the garage door open.

Carbon monoxide and natural gas are not the same. Carbon monoxide detectors do not detect natural gas leaks. Natural gas contains an odorant that smells like rotten eggs, even at very low concentrations. If you smell rotten eggs, there may be a natural gas leak. Evacuate the building immediately and call 911. If it is safe to do so without delaying your exit, leave doors and windows open behind you and avoid using electrical equipment or ignition sources.

A CO alarm detects carbon monoxide, a smoke alarm detects smoke. Both protect your home and family. Some manufacturers do offer combined smoke and CO alarms in one device.

No. A carbon monoxide alarm will detect unsafe amounts of CO in your home. It does not detect a natural gas leak.