Can AC Units Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poses a serious health risk to anybody who inhales it. As a result, many people wonder if their household appliances and systems are trustworthy. For instance, you may ask yourself: Can AC units cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
It's difficult to detect carbon monoxide without a detector device, and a variety of appliances can produce this gas. Fortunately, AC units aren't on that list. However, these systems come with their own risks that you should know.
Contact Watson Heating & Air, Richmond's AC repair experts, if you have any questions or concerns about your HVAC system. You don't need to worry about your AC unit producing carbon monoxide, but there are plenty of other issues that we can help with. Call us at (859) 695-3950 to speak to an AC expert.
Risk Factors of HVAC Units
Can AC units cause carbon monoxide poisoning? No, AC units cannot cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Air conditioners are electrical and don't burn any type of fuel. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of combustible substances like gas or coal.
However, if your furnace uses the same ducts as your AC unit, there is potential danger. Furnaces powered by gas or wood have the potential to create CO gas.
If you detect carbon monoxide in your home and can trace it back to the air ducts, the culprit is probably the furnace, not the AC unit.
The danger is even greater if your ducts are damaged. If your system has cracks and holes, carbon monoxide can leak out at any location.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly, and it is often called "the silent killer." CO is typically colorless and odorless unless it mixes with something else. CO gas can build up to dangerous levels before you even become aware of it.
In most cases, you won't notice the gas is there until your body starts to react. Sudden flu-like symptoms are often a sign that carbon monoxide is present.
Physical reactions to this gas may include:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Fainting
In the worst-case scenarios, you could face permanent brain damage or even death. If these symptoms suddenly appear or multiple people in your home are affected, there's a decent chance that you have a carbon monoxide leak from a furnace, gas stove, or other appliance.
If this happens, immediately remove yourself from the house and go to the hospital. Your indoor air quality is no longer safe, so you should focus on getting out and getting help. Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill you, and the CDC has attributed 400+ deaths per year to this gas.
Don't take any chances!
Potential Sources of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
We've already addressed whether AC units cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If there's a CO buildup within your home, you can rest assured that it's not coming from the air conditioner.
However, there are still plenty of other household appliances that can be dangerous. For instance, one common source of carbon monoxide poisoning is gas stoves. If these devices fail to burn cleanly, they can leak carbon monoxide into the surrounding air.
Other potential sources of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Dryers
- Furnaces
- Water heaters
- Camp stoves
- Fireplaces
- Barbecues
Cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles can also create carbon monoxide. As a result, you should only run engines in an outdoor environment. Never let the engine idle while the vehicle is in a closed room (such as a garage).
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real threat. It can appear at any time, so an early alarm system is key. Installing a few carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home will give you peace of mind.
It's a good idea to place CO detectors in each bedroom so that everyone will hear the alarm if there's a problem. Switch out the batteries every six months for the best performance.
Contact Us for Air Conditioning Service
At Watson Heating & Air, we can answer your air conditioner questions and provide efficient repair and maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly.
If you're wondering, "Can AC units cause carbon monoxide poisoning?" you can rest assured that this isn't the case. CO doesn't have an odor, so if you smell something strange around your AC unit, this gas isn't the culprit. However, you still shouldn't ignore unusual sounds or smells coming from your AC.
For more help, check out our guide on why your AC smells or call us at
(859) 695-3950 to schedule an AC inspection.
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