How to Clear Carbon Monoxide from House? A Lifesaving Guide

The fastest and most effective way to clear carbon monoxide (CO) from your house is to immediately ventilate the property by opening all windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate, simultaneously evacuating everyone (including pets) to fresh air. This process should continue until emergency services or qualified technicians determine the source of the CO leak has been identified and eliminated, and CO levels are confirmed to be safe.

Understanding the Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. It’s a silent killer because it’s virtually undetectable without specialized equipment. Exposure to CO can cause a range of symptoms, from mild headaches and nausea to unconsciousness and death. Therefore, swift action is paramount when CO is suspected in your home.

Immediate Action Steps

The first moments after a CO alarm sounds are critical. Here’s a breakdown of what to do:

Evacuate Immediately: Don’t hesitate. Get everyone out of the house as quickly and safely as possible. This includes pets.
Call for Help: From a safe location (outside the house), call your local fire department or emergency services. Explain the situation and inform them that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do Not Re-enter: Even if you feel fine, do not go back inside the house until emergency personnel or qualified technicians have given you the all-clear.
Seek Medical Attention: If anyone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning (headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion), seek immediate medical attention. Explain to the medical professionals that you suspect CO poisoning.

Ventilation is Key

Opening windows and doors is the primary method for clearing CO from your home. This allows fresh air to replace the contaminated air.

Maximizing Airflow

To ensure effective ventilation, consider the following:

Open All Windows and Doors: Ensure that all windows and doors, including those on upper floors and in basements, are opened to create cross-ventilation.
Use Fans (Cautiously): If you have fans, you can use them to help circulate the air, but only do so from a safe location outside the home, pointed outwards to help extract the contaminated air. Don’t run any appliances that could potentially worsen the situation. This is best left to the professionals.
Consider Wind Direction: Try to open windows and doors on the side of the house facing the wind to promote better airflow.

Identifying and Eliminating the Source

Clearing the CO is only half the battle. The underlying cause must be identified and addressed to prevent future incidents.

Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Faulty Appliances: Furnaces, water heaters, stoves, ovens, and space heaters that are not properly maintained can produce CO.
Blocked Chimneys and Vents: Obstructions in chimneys or vents can prevent proper exhaust of combustion gases.
Running Vehicles in Garages: Never run a car, generator, or other fuel-burning engine in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
Portable Generators: Use portable generators outdoors only, far away from doors, windows, and vents.
Charcoal Grills: Never use charcoal grills indoors or in enclosed spaces.

Professional Inspection

A qualified technician should inspect all fuel-burning appliances to identify any potential sources of CO leakage. This inspection should include:

Checking for Proper Ventilation: Ensuring that all appliances have adequate ventilation and that vents are not blocked.
Inspecting for Leaks: Examining appliances and connecting pipes for gas leaks.
Testing for CO Production: Using specialized equipment to measure CO levels emitted by appliances.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Preventing CO buildup is far more effective than dealing with the aftermath.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install CO Detectors: Install CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
Test Regularly: Test your CO detectors monthly to ensure they are functioning properly.
Replace Detectors: Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically every 5-10 years).

Appliance Maintenance

Annual Inspections: Schedule annual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances by a qualified technician.
Proper Venting: Ensure that all appliances are properly vented to the outside.
Professional Cleaning: Have chimneys and vents professionally cleaned regularly to prevent blockages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: How long does it take for carbon monoxide to clear out of a house?

The time it takes for carbon monoxide to clear out of a house depends on several factors, including the concentration of CO, the size of the house, and the effectiveness of ventilation. With adequate ventilation (opening all windows and doors), it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours for CO levels to return to safe levels. Continuously monitor CO levels with a detector after ventilation.

FAQ 2: What is considered a safe level of carbon monoxide in a home?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that CO levels should not exceed 9 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour period. Lower levels are obviously preferable. Carbon monoxide detectors typically sound an alarm when CO levels reach 70 ppm for 1-4 hours or 150 ppm for 10-50 minutes.

FAQ 3: Can opening just one window clear carbon monoxide effectively?

Opening just one window is generally not sufficient to clear carbon monoxide effectively. Cross-ventilation, which involves opening windows and doors on opposite sides of the house to create airflow, is necessary to effectively remove the gas.

FAQ 4: What should I do if my carbon monoxide detector keeps going off?

If your carbon monoxide detector keeps going off, treat it as a serious emergency. Immediately evacuate the house, call emergency services, and do not re-enter until a qualified technician has identified and resolved the source of the CO. Recurring alarms indicate a persistent problem that requires professional attention.

FAQ 5: Can a carbon monoxide detector be faulty or give false alarms?

Yes, carbon monoxide detectors can be faulty or give false alarms. Check the detector’s expiration date (usually printed on the device). Low batteries can also trigger false alarms. If you suspect a faulty detector, replace it with a new one. However, always err on the side of caution and treat any alarm as a potential CO emergency until proven otherwise.

FAQ 6: Are there any long-term health effects of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Yes, even after CO levels have been reduced, exposure can cause lasting health effects, especially after significant poisoning. These effects can include neurological problems, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, personality changes, and heart damage. Medical follow-up is crucial after CO exposure.

FAQ 7: Can carbon monoxide poisoning occur even with open windows and doors?

While rare, carbon monoxide poisoning can still occur even with open windows and doors if the source of the CO is generating a significant amount of gas or if the ventilation is inadequate. This is especially true in tightly sealed homes. That’s why a CO detector is vital.

FAQ 8: Does homeowners insurance cover carbon monoxide damage or related expenses?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by sudden and accidental events, which may include CO damage resulting from a covered peril, such as a fire or explosion. However, coverage can vary widely. Review your policy and consult with your insurance provider to understand your coverage for CO-related incidents and potential remediation costs.

FAQ 9: Can a fireplace be a source of carbon monoxide?

Yes, a fireplace can be a source of carbon monoxide if it is not properly maintained or vented. Creosote buildup in the chimney can obstruct airflow and cause CO to back up into the house. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly.

FAQ 10: Is it safe to sleep in a house after a carbon monoxide leak has been cleared?

It is generally safe to sleep in a house after a carbon monoxide leak has been cleared, provided that the source of the leak has been identified and repaired, CO levels have been confirmed to be safe by a professional, and your CO detectors are functioning properly. However, if anyone is still experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention.

FAQ 11: Can you smell carbon monoxide?

No, you cannot smell carbon monoxide. It is an odorless and colorless gas, which is why it is so dangerous. The only way to detect its presence is with a carbon monoxide detector.

FAQ 12: Where should I place carbon monoxide detectors in my home?

Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially outside sleeping areas (hallways adjacent to bedrooms). It’s also a good idea to place one near fuel-burning appliances. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper placement.