Installation Guide

Carbon Monoxide Safety Information

General CO Information

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless

poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. CO inhibits the

blood’s capacity to carry oxygen.

Possible Sources

CO can be produced when burning any fossil fuel: gasoline,

propane, natural gas, oil and wood. It can be produced by any

fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning, improperly

installed, or not ventilated correctly. Possible sources include

furnaces, gas ranges/stoves, gas clothes dryers, water heaters,

portable fuel burning space heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning

stoves and certain swimming pool heaters. Blocked chimneys or

flues, back drafting and changes in air pressure, corroded or

disconnected vent pipes, and a loose or cracked furnace

exchanger can also cause CO. Vehicles and other combustion

engines running in an attached garage and using a charcoal/gas

grill or hibachi in an enclosed area are all possible sources of CO.

The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:

Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel-burning appliances

caused by outdoor ambient conditions such as: Wind direction

and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind, heavy air in the vent

pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles),

negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust

fans, simultaneous operation of several fuel-burning appliances

competing for limited internal air, vent pipe connections vibrating

loose from clothes dryers, furnaces, or water heaters,

obstructions in, or unconventional, vent pipe designs which can

amplify the above situations, extended operation of unvented

fuel-burning devices (range, oven, fireplace, etc.), temperature

inversions which can trap exhaust gasses near the ground, car

idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.

CO Safety Tips

Every year have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue

inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician. Always install

appliances according to manufacturer’s instructions and adhere

to local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by

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