Carbon monoxide (sometimes referred to by its chemical abbreviation, CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and poisonous gas that’s produced when fuels such as natural gas burn with insufficient air. When carbon monoxide leaks into your home’s air, it can lead to serious health problems for your family. Regular maintenance of your home’s heating and ventilation system will help ensure it’s not a source of a carbon monoxide leak.

Can HVAC systems leak carbon monoxide?

Although home heating systems produce only a small amount of carbon monoxide, it’s important to keep your furnace and vents properly maintained by a qualified service technician to prevent any potential leaks. He or she will perform a thorough inspection of your heating system and ensure all vents are clean and unobstructed. By scheduling preventative maintenance each fall, you’ll also help avoid any emergency repairs later in the winter.

Don’t forget that other chemical vapors could be lurking in your home’s air, as well. Potential sources include household cleaning products, vehicle exhaust fumes from an attached garage, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from new furniture and carpet. The PureAir™ Air Purification System from Lennox can help remove these chemical vapors from your home’s air, along with other harmful airborne particles, germs and bacteria.

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