Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, and in a closed-up Minnesota winter it's a real risk. The usual sources: a cracked heat exchanger, a blocked flue (bird nests and ice dams on chimneys are common here), a water heater backdrafting, or a car warmed up in an attached garage.
We test CO at the flue and in the living space on every furnace and boiler visit, at no extra charge. A dedicated CO safety visit tests every fuel-burning appliance in the house, checks venting and draft, and inspects the heat exchanger with a camera.
Standard plug-in CO alarms are required by Minnesota law within 10 feet of each bedroom, but they're designed not to sound until levels are fairly high. We also install low-level monitors that alert at 15 ppm, which is useful for households with infants, older adults or anyone with heart or lung conditions.
Signs you need this
- Headaches, nausea or dizziness that improve when you leave the house
- Soot or yellow flames on a gas appliance
- Your CO alarm has sounded, even once
- Your CO alarms are more than 7 years old
How it works
If an alarm is sounding
Get everyone outside, then call 911. Call us after the fire department clears the house.
Test every appliance
Furnace, boiler, water heater, range, dryer and fireplace. Draft and venting checks.
Fix and monitor
Repairs priced in writing. Optional low-level monitors installed where you need them.
Common questions
My CO alarm went off and then stopped. What do I do?
Treat it as real. Get everyone out, call 911, and don't go back in until the fire department says it's safe. Then call us to find the source.
How long do CO alarms last?
Most last 7–10 years. Check the date printed on the back. Replace the whole unit, not just the battery.
Is a gas range a CO risk?
It can be, especially if used to heat the house (never do this). Run the range hood when cooking and have the range checked if the flames are yellow.