Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From an AC?
Carbon monoxide poisoning is an issue many people worry about when thinking about keeping their homes and family safe. While most people know about this silent danger, as summer approaches, some may wonder, “Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from an AC?”
At Maximum Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re East San Diego’s trusted air conditioning installation experts. We understand the importance of keeping your home and everyone in it as safe as possible and the questions you may have about the safety of your air conditioning system. That’s why we offer comprehensive heating and air conditioning services: our goal is to make sure that your HVAC equipment is always working as it should.
Below, we’ve put together some information to educate you and ease your mind. If you need fast and reliable air conditioning services, call our team at 619-949-2483.
What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is the byproduct of fuel burning. Breathing in the carbon monoxide fumes prevents your body from using oxygen as it should, affecting your lungs, brain, and heart.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), around 50,000 people go to the hospital each year for treatment due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include (but are not limited to):
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Memory loss
One of the reasons carbon monoxide poisoning is so sneaky is that these symptoms often look like any other illness. However, if you suspect you might have carbon monoxide poisoning, go to the hospital immediately. Prolonged lack of oxygen to your brain, lungs, and heart may cause serious lasting damage.
Can Air Conditioners Cause Carbon Monoxide?
So can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from an AC? The short answer is no.
Carbon monoxide is the result of emissions from fuel-burning units. This includes anything powered by natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, wood, or coal. Air conditioning units run on electricity, so they do not produce or emit any carbon monoxide gas.
While you may be safe from carbon monoxide poisoning from your AC itself, it’s still possible for harmful gases to seep into your home through your AC ventilation system. Be aware of your indoor air quality, and learn how to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
With that being said, it’s still essential to know how to prevent carbon monoxide leaks in your home all year round.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Most carbon monoxide leaks happen because of issues with faulty heating systems and insufficient ventilation in your home. To help prevent carbon monoxide leaks and exposure in your home, utilize the following tips.
Regular Furnace Maintenance
An annual inspection of your furnace goes a long way toward preventing carbon monoxide leaks. Not only do regular maintenance and inspections help keep your furnace (and AC) clean and operating at an optimal level, but they also allow your technician to get familiar with your HVAC equipment.
Heat Exchanger Inspection
One of the most common sources of carbon monoxide leaks is the heat exchanger on your furnace. While the heat exchanger is typically part of your furnace inspection, it doesn’t hurt to ensure careful inspection of it.
Heat exchangers work to vent toxic gases created during the fuel-burning process. They push the gases away from your home and ventilation ducts to prevent them from blowing into your living space. If your heat exchanger shows signs of corrosion, cracks, or other damage, it should be repaired immediately to avoid carbon monoxide leaks.
Clean Your Vents and Flues
Ducts or flues clogged with dirt and debris affect the air quality in your home by allowing in allergens and contaminants that promote allergies and lung issues. However, a clogged duct system or flue also makes it more difficult for carbon monoxide to exit your home. Ensuring that these ventilation systems remain free of obstructions helps keep your family safe.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Another helpful preventative measure is installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home. You may want to hard wire them as part of your fire alarm system or install portable ones throughout your home. Whatever you decide, know that just like any device, carbon monoxide detectors aren’t foolproof. Continue to be aware of unusual symptoms, as even the smallest amount of carbon monoxide may have adverse effects on you and your family.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have a Carbon Monoxide Leak
Because of the odorless, colorless quality of carbon monoxide, you need to be aware of any unusual health symptoms as well as how to determine if your HVAC system is operating properly.
If you suspect you have a leak in your home, act quickly. Get your family members outside, and open as many doors and windows as you can. Go to the doctor and have your oxygen levels checked to ensure you don’t need further treatment.
Do not go back inside your home until you’ve had the carbon monoxide levels checked, especially if you or your family receive a diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Maximum Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning | Your AC Experts in El Cajon
At Maximum Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, we care about our customers and work hard to ensure their air conditioning and furnace systems run safely and efficiently when needed. As a small family-owned business, we’re committed to the health and safety of your family, and it shows in our customer service and top-quality workmanship.
Comfort doesn’t just mean your home stays cool or warm throughout the year. Comfort also means peace of mind knowing that a professional technician is there to fix your HVAC issue if anything goes wrong. We offer annual maintenance plans to keep your air conditioner running smoothly, with prices designed to fit into your budget.
If you’re still asking, “Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from an AC?” then don’t hesitate to call us today at 619-949-2483. Whether you need AC repair, maintenance, or installation, look no further than Maximum Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning.