Furnace Carbon Monoxide Warning Signs in Greater Vancouver

Carbon monoxide from a malfunctioning gas furnace is one of the most serious home safety risks. Greater Vancouver homeowners need to know the warning signs — because CO has no odour, colour, or taste.

What This Symptom Means

Carbon monoxide is produced when natural gas combustion is incomplete. A properly operating furnace vents all combustion gases to the outside. Problems arise when the heat exchanger cracks, the venting is blocked, or combustion is running rich — allowing CO to enter the living space.

Common Causes

• Cracked or failed heat exchanger allowing combustion gases into the air stream
• Blocked flue vent preventing combustion gases from exiting the home
• Backdrafting — negative pressure in the home drawing flue gases back inside
• Incomplete combustion from a dirty burner or incorrect gas pressure
• Running gas appliances in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation

What Homeowners Can Check Safely

• Install CO detectors on every floor of the home, especially near bedrooms and the furnace room
• If CO alarm sounds, leave immediately, leave the door open, call 911, and do not re-enter until cleared by emergency services
• Watch for health symptoms: headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion — particularly in multiple household members simultaneously

When to Call a Licensed Technician

Some furnace issues require a licensed HVAC technician. Do not attempt to open gas lines, replace internal components, or reset persistent lockouts without professional diagnosis.

• Annual combustion safety inspection of the furnace
• Flue and venting inspection
• Heat exchanger inspection with borescope
• Combustion gas analysis measuring CO in the air stream
• CO detector installation and placement guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CO detectors do I need in my home?

BC Fire Code recommends CO detectors adjacent to all sleeping areas. A practical approach is one on each floor of the home, with one in the basement near the furnace area. Detectors should be replaced every 5–7 years — they have a limited sensor life even if never triggered.

Can a furnace produce CO even if it has been running fine for years?

Yes. A heat exchanger that has been under thermal stress from filter neglect, short cycling, or age can develop a crack at any time. Annual furnace maintenance that includes combustion safety inspection is the most reliable way to catch this before it becomes a household emergency.

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