How much carbon monoxide is normal

[ponytug]

Yes, zero is the right number.

Cracks can go from small to large quickly. It doesn't take long to replace a wall furnace, ( a few hours) though there are better efficiency alternatives.

Good luck, and thanks for not ignoring the CO levels.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Sigarms]

I have never run it beyond the test so it looks like I'll be getting a new furnace soon.

If they replace the gas furnace, what should be included is a new CO2 detector as well. If there ever is a problem with CO2 in a house and it makes news, the last thing a HVAC contractor wants to do is be put under a spotlight to see if they made any assumptions that could of potentially cost someone their life.

Not certain if this made national news, but it was a 3 ring circus because the state screwed up as well...

State reaches $1K settlement in boy's carbon monoxide poisoning death at Boone hotel

I'ts now code in NC for residential applicaitons for a CO2 detector to be in the hallway for each bedroom unless a room has a fuel burning device, then the detector goes in the room. It's always a good idea to have a least a couple for each floor. Generally people buy one, put it in a bedroom where they sleep. Only problem is depending on where the build up of CO2 is, you could be walking into a dangerous level and not even know it because the only alarm installed hasn't detected the build up yet.

CO2 posioning doesn't happen that ofter, but when it does, it's a reminder of why detectors are needed.

 

[ultrarunner]

CO detectors have been required in California for years as well as smoke in each bedroom and one additional on each level.

As homes become tighter indoor air issues are more pronounced...

That said going to sealed detectors with 10 year batteries is a good thing...so many times I inspected rentals only to find batteries pulled from all detectors.

 

[Rebeldad1]

Recently had my gas forced hot air furnace circa 1983 serviced and the tech ran a carbon monoxide meter on the vent closest to the furnace. We stopped checking after about 30 minutes and PPM was up to 28. He didn't seem too comfortable with that. Just curious, what would you consider safe levels?

getting down to close to zero if it were my home. In the early 1990's we had a gas furnace replaced with a 98% efficient unit.about the only thing out the exhaust (3" plastic) was condensation. The new unit was a smaller btu and ran longer. irculated heat longer and used far less gas. Win Win. From what we saved the furnace paid for itself.

 

[goeduck]

Surprised in the link Sigarms posted at only the $100K settlement. Kid died.

EDIT. I did not read far enough. Separate $12M suit

 

[Sigarms]

Surprised in the link Sigarms posted at only the $100K settlement. Kid died.

EDIT. I did not read far enough. Separate $12M suit

As I said, the state screwed up as well. That's what the state paid out. I personally knew some of the players in that fiasco. It's amazing how fast the state will cover it's butt when it has a big "uh oh" moment.

 

[Sigarms]

CO detectors have been required in California for years as well as smoke in each bedroom and one additional on each level.

As homes become tighter indoor air issues are more pronounced...

That said going to sealed detectors with 10 year batteries is a good thing...so many times I inspected rentals only to find batteries pulled from all detectors.

It's becoming code for fresh air intake for new homes. Most guys just bypass with using the fart fan in one bathoom and call it day LOL

I'm actually suprised california hasn't gone to requiring ERV's for homes.

I've found the plug in detectors with battery back up work well.

 

[goeduck]

I've found the plug in detectors with battery back up work well.

Yes, that is what I have. They do not need to be up high like a smoke detector, CO disperses fairly evenly.

 

[jaydee325]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the best resource of all. That would be your local fire department/EMS. Call or stop by and they will gladly fill you in on the dangers of CO.

They may even have a program where they will replace your detector for next to nothing.

 

[user.69169]

When California gonna do someting bout all dat outdoor tree & brush burning dey do every year besides send smoke East. Clear violation of CalCARB dat is..

 

[ultrarunner]

Yes... talk is about bringing back controlled burns.

As for city... no idea as it requires a costly permit with public hearings to remove most trees...

This is why many just let nature take its course.

 

[ultrarunner]

Fire Department and Law Enforce simply do not offer the services as they did in the past.

Last time I saw a pro-active asking was PGE, the utility.

Just be warned, depending on who comes out it might just get red tagged if other calls pending.

 

[kenmac]

First are we talking about CO, or CO2. I keep seeing CO and CO2 referenced, which are two different things. CO is carbon monoxide CO2 is carbon dioxide

About the only reason a gas furnace will produce CO is improper combustion, which usually soots up the heat exchanger, and will sometimes also produce aldehyde.

If there is a crack in the heat exchanger, it is possible CO and Aldehydes to enter the heating vents and blown into the home.

If you take the vent off a properly burning gas furnace, it shouldn't produce CO, if it does, it will be very little.

I would want to know when the last time the service tech's CO meter was calibrated.

Having said all this, we're talking about a 38 year old furnace. I would want it replaced if nothing else for better efficiently.
If it's a1983 furnace, it would be lucky to be 70% efficient

 

[Muhammad]

First are we talking about CO, or CO2. I keep seeing CO and CO2 referenced, which are two different things. CO is carbon monoxide CO2 is carbon dioxide

About the only reason a gas furnace will produce CO is improper combustion, which usually soots up the heat exchanger, and will sometimes also produce aldehyde.

If there is a crack in the heat exchanger, it is possible CO and Aldehydes to enter the heating vents and blown into the home.

If you take the vent off a properly burning gas furnace, it shouldn't produce CO, if it does, it will be very little.

I would want to know when the last time the service tech's CO meter was calibrated.

Having said all this, we're talking about a 38 year old furnace. I would want it replaced if nothing else for better efficiently alone

We're talking about carbon monoxide.

The thing about the efficiency reasoning isn't as important to me since we need heat about ten days a year here. I'm more concerned with having heat at all on those ten days than saving a little money. It would probably take 30 years to earn back the cost of a new furnace.

I suppose another test might be in order. We've been getting by with a little space heater in the bedroom at night, but it world definitely be nice to warm the entrie house sometimes.

 

[kenmac]

We're talking about carbon monoxide.

The thing about the efficiency reasoning isn't as important to me since we need heat about ten days a year here. I'm more concerned with having heat at all on those ten days than saving a little money. It would probably take 30 years to earn back the cost of a new furnace.

I suppose another test might be in order. We've been getting by with a little space heater in the bedroom at night, but it world definitely be nice to warm the entrie house sometimes.

I see your point there.

It really depends on the manufacture of the furnace. the carriers of around that year were very bad to rust out / crack..
I have seen some crack within a few short years.

There are several ways to check for a cracked heat exchanger. knowing the furnace is a huge step in finding a crack if there is one.
Some brands would always crack in the same spot.


If there is a crack, it doesn't mean the furnace will produce CO. It mostly comes from improper combustion.
There are probably thousands (or more) furnaces operating with a cracked heat exchanger with no ill effects due to the furnace burning properly
Is it wise ? No, because he potential for CO to escape into the home is there.

As I said earlier. A properly burning furnace would produce very little if any CO out of the flue. Mostly CO2 and water vapor

I have seen people take the vent off and operate the furnace for years claiming heat is escaping out of that vent, so I took it off to heat my crawl space.
They things that make you go hummmm LOL

 

[KennyG]

I'm surprised anyone is still heating with gas in San Diego. I would think heat pumps would be a no brainer in that climate. Agree the old one should go. I have a CO detector that has a read out and it always stays at 0.0. If it said anything else I would be looking for the problem.

 

[kenmac]

I almost forgot about your question though. It's not what's really high or low levels of CO that gets' ya. it's all about the exposure time, and how tight the structure is. doors , windows opened and closed allowing in into the structure will change the levels of CO and exposure

Levels of carbon monoxide exposure range from low to dangerous: Low level: 50 PPM and less. Mid level: Between 51 PPM and 100 PPM. High level: Greater than 101 PPM if no one is experiencing symptoms.

As stated. I would want someone that had a good meter that had been calibrated .

Like smoke detectors in homes. Sensors in test equipment don't last for ever

 

[kenmac]

I almost forgot about your question though. It's not what's really high or low levels of CO . it's all about the exposure time, and how tight the structure is. doors , windows opened and closed allowing in into the structure will change the levels of CO

Levels of carbon monoxide exposure range from low to dangerous: Low level: 50 PPM and less. Mid level: Between 51 PPM and 100 PPM. High level: Greater than 101 PPM if no one is experiencing symptoms.

As stated. I would want someone that had a good meter that had been calibrated .

Like smoke detectors in homes. Sensors in test equipment don't last for ever

 

[Sigarms]

First are we talking about CO, or CO2. I keep seeing CO and CO2 referenced, which are two different things. CO is carbon monoxide CO2 is carbon dioxide

My mistake:confused3:

Yes, CO"2" as in two parts of oxygen. For whatever reason reason, always have a brain fart writing it out because I know mono is 1 and di is two. Kind of embarrassing actually:laughing:

 

[Egon]

Carbon monoxide has killed many people. It is heavier than air and will collect in low points. Itç—´ effect is cumulative. Itç—´ also odourless and colourless. It is a serious issue in confined spaces at a workplace.

With the house furnace being almost forty years old just replace the furnace as a failure can/will cost lives.

Do some research in a “ Work Place Safety Official site” for reliable information!

One site, reliability unknown.
Guidelines for the Gas Service Industry: Carbon Monoxide | Technical Safety BC