Furnace Carbon Monoxide Safety: What Every Minnesota Homeowner Must Know
Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless, and produced by furnaces burning natural gas or propane. A cracked heat exchanger or blocked flue can fill your home with CO—a potentially fatal situation. Minnesota's long heating season makes CO awareness especially critical.
How Furnaces Produce Carbon Monoxide
Normally, combustion gases including CO are safely exhausted through the flue or PVC vent pipe. CO becomes dangerous when: the heat exchanger cracks (allowing combustion gases into living air), the flue is blocked by debris or ice, or the furnace is improperly vented or installed.
CO Detector Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota law requires CO detectors on every level of a home with fuel-burning appliances. Detectors should be placed within 10 feet of each bedroom. Replace detectors every 5–7 years—the sensors degrade over time regardless of battery status.
Warning Signs of CO Issues
Symptoms of CO exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. If multiple household members feel sick simultaneously during heating season, exit immediately and call 911. For furnace warning signs: see our heat exchanger guide and diagnostic guide.
Preventing CO Problems
Annual furnace inspections catch heat exchanger cracks before they become dangerous. Furnace Direct recommends professional installation of all Goodman furnaces and yearly tune-ups for CO safety.
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