Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that kills over 400 Americans every year and sends thousands more to emergency rooms. In New York City, where gas furnaces, boilers, and water heaters are common in older buildings, the risk of CO exposure is significant, particularly during winter when heating systems run continuously and windows stay closed. Your HVAC system is one of the most common sources of residential carbon monoxide when components like heat exchangers crack or flue pipes become blocked. Knowing how to detect the warning signs and respond quickly can literally save your life and the lives of your family members.
Place CO detectors on every floor of your home and near all sleeping areas. In NYC, the law requires CO detectors in all residential units with combustion appliances. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries annually or use sealed 10-year lithium units.
Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue. They are often mistaken for the flu. A key differentiator is that symptoms improve when you leave the building. If multiple household members feel sick simultaneously, suspect CO immediately.
Look for soot or discoloration around your furnace, boiler, or water heater. Check that the flue pipe is properly connected and not rusted or separated. A yellow or orange burner flame instead of blue can indicate incomplete combustion producing CO.
Hold a lit match or incense near the draft hood of your furnace or water heater while it is running. Smoke should be pulled upward into the flue. If smoke blows back into the room, the flue is blocked or there is negative pressure preventing proper venting.
If your CO detector alarms or you suspect exposure, evacuate everyone from the building immediately. Call 911 from outside. Do not re-enter until emergency responders have cleared the building. Have your HVAC system professionally inspected before using it again.
Schedule an annual HVAC inspection that specifically includes combustion safety testing and CO detection. If you ever detect CO or suspect a leak, call 911 first and then your HVAC technician. Never attempt to repair gas appliances yourself.
Call (646) 439-4057Install one near each sleeping area and on every level. NYC law requires them in all units with gas or oil-burning appliances. Place them at least 5 feet from cooking appliances to avoid false alarms.
Annually before the heating season. A professional combustion safety test checks CO levels in the flue gas and verifies the heat exchanger integrity. This is the most reliable way to prevent CO leaks.
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