Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From an AC?

Carbon Monoxide is scary. Because it is an odorless gas, carbon monoxide is deemed the “silent killer,” and with good reason. Carbon monoxide could leak into your home undetected and lead to illness or even death. 

But can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from an AC? Well, that depends on the circumstances. Comfort Specialist Home Services can answer this question and provide AC repair services in Roxbury Township, NJ.

Carbon Monoxide Risk 

Carbon monoxide comes from gas-powered appliances. Most air conditioning units run on electricity. You cannot get carbon monoxide poisoning from electric appliances.

The risk comes from gas-powered HVAC systems, which provide both cool and warm air for your home. If you have such an HVAC system, the furnace requires gas to ignite. Without regular maintenance, the furnace can sustain damage that leads to carbon monoxide escaping and poisoning you and your family.

In short: running your air conditioner can’t give you carbon monoxide poisoning on its own. The risk comes from a gas-powered HVAC unit in need of repair. 

Additional Sources

We answered the question, “can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from an AC,” but what common sources of carbon monoxide within the home? 

Any appliances in the home that operate by burning natural gas run the risk of producing carbon monoxide. These appliances are energy efficient but shouldn’t be left unattended. Some of these appliances may include: 

• Clothes dryer
• Water heater
• Gas stove
• Fireplace

Any gas-powered appliance in your home may produce carbon monoxide if it falls into disrepair. To stay safe, monitor your gas-powered appliances for signs of wear.

The Danger in Your Garage

Appliances aren’t the only danger within your home. If you have a garage, it is very dangerous to leave your car or motorcycle running while inside. Carbon monoxide quickly fills the garage and can infiltrate your home in an instant. 

Leaving your garage door open while any motorized vehicles are running can lessen the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning but does not fully eliminate the possibility. 

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause a variety of flu-like symptoms. Before you head to bed thinking you have a case of the flu, consider your gas appliances. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme tiredness
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Confusion
• Memory loss

If you suspect your home has a carbon monoxide leak, shut off your gas valve and seek medical attention.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide produces no odor and is therefore undetectable. When there is a leak inside your home, carbon monoxide could climb to dangerous levels before you notice you have a problem.

To stay safe, install a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. They work the same way as smoke detectors. When a carbon monoxide detector determines your indoor air quality has become compromised, it emits a sound to alert you to danger.

Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector every six months. Doing so prevents a false alarm due to dying batteries.

What to Do if Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off

It’s startling when your carbon monoxide detector goes off, but when it happens, you shouldn’t panic. 

Carbon monoxide detectors will sound at the first indication of risk. When your alarm sounds, check it for signs of damage. Turn off the main gas valve and exit your home as quickly as possible. Call an experienced professional to investigate the cause of your carbon monoxide detector sounding.

Preventative Maintenance

When you hire a qualified HVAC technician to perform an annual inspection, you can prevent a carbon monoxide leak before it starts. During the appointment, the technician will inspect all parts of your HVAC unit. The technician can repair or replace any damaged parts, preventing future carbon monoxide leaks.

That's not all maintenance can do, of course. In addition to protecting you from this deadly gas, preventative maintenance can reduce mold buildup and increase unit efficiency. Protect your wallet and peace of mind by calling a professional.

Experienced HVAC Service

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from an AC? Not unless you have a gas-powered system. Keep up with routine maintenance to reduce your risk and protect your loved ones.

Comfort Specialists Home Services in Roxbury Township, NJ is here to diagnose common AC problems and keep your family safe. Call us at 973-490-4881 or schedule online and save $25! We're prepared to provide you with fantastic assistance, no matter what HVAC problem you need us to address.