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Indoor Air Quality, Carbon Monoxide Detectors

What Causes Carbon Monoxide In A House?

By Travis Baugh

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be found in homes. But where does carbon monoxide come from and what causes carbon monoxide in a house? Understanding its sources and the factors that increase its levels is crucial for ensuring the safety of your household. In this article, we will explore what causes carbon monoxide in a house and does carbon monoxide rise or fall.

A woman cooks on a gas stove which is one source of what causes carbon monoxide in a house

Where Does Carbon Monoxide Come From In A House?

Carbon monoxide (CO) in a home is typically caused by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or other carbon-containing materials. 

How Is Carbon Monoxide Produced?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, charcoal, or gasoline are burned incompletely. 

Common Carbon Monoxide Sources

Ever wondered what causes carbon monoxide in a house without gas? Common carbon monoxide sources include:

  • Gas Appliances: Malfunctioning or improperly installed gas stoves, ovens, water heaters, and furnaces can produce CO if combustion is incomplete.
  • Fuel-Burning Heaters: Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and kerosene heaters can emit CO if ventilation is inadequate or if there are blockages in chimneys.
  • Automobiles: Running a vehicle in an attached garage or using a gas-powered generator indoors can lead to CO buildup.
  • Blocked Chimneys or Flues: Blocked or poorly maintained chimneys or flues can cause CO to back up into the home.
  • Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains CO, though typically at lower levels than other sources.
  • Barbecues: Using charcoal or gas barbecues indoors or in poorly ventilated areas can produce CO.

Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it can go undetected without proper equipment. Often referred to as the 'silent killer,' it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Without a carbon monoxide detector, it is challenging to detect its presence until symptoms appear.

Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal. When inhaled, it enters the bloodstream and binds to hemoglobin, reducing the oxygen that red blood cells can carry. This can lead to tissue damage and, in severe cases, death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness or death.

To prevent CO buildup, it's crucial to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and ventilation of all fuel-burning appliances and to use CO detectors to alert residents to dangerous levels of CO in the home. Learn more about “What are carbon monoxide detectors and how do they work?” and  “how many carbon monoxide detectors do I need?” 

Does carbon monoxide rise or fall?

Carbon monoxide (CO) does not have a natural tendency to rise or fall like some gases such as hot air or helium. Instead, it behaves more like other common gases such as nitrogen and oxygen in terms of its distribution within a space. When carbon monoxide is released into an enclosed area, it will mix evenly with the surrounding air due to its similar density to air. This means that it will disperse throughout the room rather than accumulate in a specific layer or sink to the ground.
 
However, in practical terms, the concentration of carbon monoxide near its source (such as a malfunctioning appliance) may be higher initially, but this will dissipate as it mixes with the surrounding air. In open spaces or outdoors, carbon monoxide will disperse more readily due to air currents and natural ventilation.
 
To detect carbon monoxide in indoor spaces, carbon monoxide detectors are typically placed at breathing height because this is where people are most likely to be affected by it. This placement ensures that any carbon monoxide present in the air, regardless of its distribution, can be detected promptly to prevent potential health risks. Learn more about where to put your carbon monoxide detector.
 

a carrier dealer answers the questions does carbon monoxide rise or fall and what causes carbon monoxide in a house without gas

Find The Best Carbon Monoxide Detector For Your Home With A Carrier Dealer

At Carrier, we prioritize your safety. Our carbon monoxide alarm provide reliable monitoring and early warnings for elevated carbon monoxide levels in your home. When dangerous levels of CO are present, a loud alarm automatically alerts you and your family members. Now that you know what causes carbon monoxide in a house, connect with your local Carrier dealer to purchase a carbon monoxide alarm and identify any other indoor air quality needs your family has.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Monoxide Causes

Carbon monoxide can come from combustion appliances (furnaces, water heaters, stoves that burn natural gas), automobile exhaust, charcoal grills and fireplaces, gas or diesel-powered generators, and gas-powered tools such as lawn mowers and chainsaws when fuels containing carbon are burned incompletely.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is mostly found in homes near fuel-burning appliances, such stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces. It can accumulate in areas where these appliances are located, especially if they are poorly ventilated or malfunctioning. Attached garages are another common area, particularly when vehicles are left running.
Common sources of carbon monoxide (CO) in a house include fuel-burning appliances such as stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces. Wood-burning stoves, gas dryers, and charcoal grills used indoors can also emit CO. Additionally, automobiles running in attached garages, portable generators, and gas-powered tools operated indoors or in confined spaces can contribute to CO buildup. Any appliance or device that burns fuel without proper ventilation can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
The most common cause of carbon monoxide (CO) in a home is malfunctioning or poorly ventilated fuel-burning appliances, such as gas stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces. When these appliances do not burn fuel completely or lack proper ventilation, CO can build up indoors.
Two warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache and dizziness in addition to nausea and confusion. Headache and dizziness are common early symptoms and can be mistaken for other illnesses. A persistent headache, especially if accompanied by dizziness, should be taken seriously. Victims may experience feelings of nausea, vomiting, or confusion. This can escalate as CO levels increase, leading to impaired judgment and coordination.

Learn More About Carbon Monoxide