Carbon Monoxide: What Is It and How to Protect your Des Moines Home

As temperatures drop in Des Moines, many families turn to their furnaces and fireplaces for warmth and comfort. While keeping your home cozy is a top priority, so is making sure it stays safe. One of the most serious but often overlooked home safety risks during winter is carbon monoxide (CO). 

This invisible gas can build up silently and quickly turn dangerous without warning. At Greens, we’ve been serving Des Moines homeowners since 1958, providing trusted HVAC service and expert guidance to keep homes warm and secure. In this guide, we’ll explain what carbon monoxide is, where it can come from, and how to protect your family from exposure. 

What Exactly is Carbon Monoxide? 

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when fuel doesn’t burn completely. This makes it impossible to detect without a carbon monoxide detector. 

When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to red blood cells more readily than oxygen. This reduces the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to vital organs. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often resemble the flu and include: 

• Headaches 

• Dizziness 

• Nausea 

• Fatigue 

• Confusion 

 In higher concentrations or with prolonged exposure, carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness or even death. That’s why it’s often referred to as a silent killer. 

Common Carbon Monoxide Sources Inside Your Des Moines Home 

The most common sources of carbon monoxide in homes are fuel-burning appliances and improper ventilation. Some of the most frequent culprits include: 

Fuel-Burning Appliances 

• Furnaces, especially older models or those without routine maintenance 

• Gas or propane water heaters, if not vented properly or if malfunctioning 

• Gas stoves and ovens, particularly when used for supplemental heat 

• Fireplaces, both wood-burning and gas types, without proper ventilation 

• Space heaters that use kerosene, propane, or natural gas and aren’t vented outdoors 

Other Potential Sources 

• Attached garages with running vehicles that allow fumes to seep into living spaces 

• Portable generators operated indoors or too close to the home 

• Charcoal grills used indoors, which are never safe 

• Blocked chimneys or flues caused by snow, leaves, or nests that trap gases inside 

Protecting Your Des Moines Home and Family from CO Poisoning 

Keeping your home safe from carbon monoxide involves both prevention and early detection. Here’s how to reduce the risk and ensure your family is protected: 

The Crucial Role of Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

Every home should have working carbon monoxide detectors. Install them: 

• On every level of your home 

• Outside sleeping areas 

• Near fuel-burning appliances 

There are several types of detectors, including plug-in, battery-operated, and combination smoke/CO alarms. Most need replacement every five to seven years. Batteries should be checked monthly and replaced annually or as needed. 

Regular HVAC System Maintenance 

Annual furnace maintenance is one of the most effective ways to prevent CO leaks. At Greens, our technicians inspect: 

• Heat exchangers for cracks 

• Burners for proper function 

• Venting systems for blockages or deterioration 

Professional cleaning and testing ensure that your system is running safely and efficiently. This helps reduce the risk of undetected carbon monoxide leaks. 

Safe Appliance Usage 

• Never use gas stoves or ovens as a heating source 

• Ensure fireplaces and space heaters have adequate ventilation 

• Avoid running vehicles or generators in attached garages, even with the door open 

 Proper Ventilation 

• Keep chimneys, furnace exhaust vents, and flues clear of debris, especially during heavy snow or storms 

• Maintain airflow around all fuel-burning appliances to ensure complete combustion 

Know the Symptoms and How to React 

If you or your family experience symptoms like dizziness or confusion and suspect CO exposure: 

• Evacuate everyone immediately to fresh air 

• Call 911 or your local fire department from outside the home 

• Do not re-enter the home until it is declared safe by emergency personnel 

• Contact Greens to inspect and service your heating system before using it again 

Greens, Your Trusted Partner for Furnace and HVAC Maintenance in the Des Moines Area 

Carbon monoxide prevention starts with awareness, but it continues with consistent, professional care. Greens has proudly served the Des Moines community for over 60 years with a commitment to safety, reliability, and customer education. 

Our HVAC services include annual furnace inspections, system tune-ups, and expert maintenance to ensure that your equipment runs cleanly and safely. We also advise homeowners on proper placement and testing of carbon monoxide detectors and can help identify hidden risks in older systems. 

At Greens, we take pride in helping you maintain a safe, healthy home all year long. Whether you need an urgent repair, a pre-season checkup, or just peace of mind, our team is here for you. 

Call today to schedule your furnace maintenance or safety inspection. Protect your family from carbon monoxide risks this heating season.