Can AC Units Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? What Helena, MT Homeowners Must Know

Carbon monoxide leaks can be particularly dangerous because they are difficult to detect and can go unnoticed. As such, homeowners in Helena, MT, need to be aware of appliances in their homes that create carbon monoxide. To that end, the team at Premier Systems is here to answer the question, "Can AC units cause carbon monoxide poisoning?"

Contact our expert team at Premier Systems today to speak to our HVAC contractors in Helena, MT.

What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

According to the CDC, carbon monoxide poisoning affects more than 100,000 Americans every year. Carbon monoxide exposure causes severe health problems and can be potentially fatal in high concentrations. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it is a colorless, odorless gas, which makes it hard to detect without special equipment. Some of the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Nausea

Before reading further, if you suspect you have a carbon monoxide leak, contact emergency services as soon as possible to assess the situation. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause permanent health issues, and you should not take the risk. 

Can AC Units Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

So, can AC units cause carbon monoxide poisoning? The good news is, no, they cannot. Carbon monoxide in homes is most often a result of burning natural gas or propane. Modern air conditioners do not run on gas and instead use electricity, so they won’t create carbon monoxide (or carbon dioxide, for that matter). 

However, modern gas furnaces can create carbon monoxide. One way to tell your furnace might be producing carbon monoxide is by looking at the pilot light. Under normal conditions, the pilot light should be blue. If the pilot light is yellow or orange, it means the combustion reaction is incomplete and might be creating carbon monoxide.

What Other Appliances Can Create Carbon Monoxide?

Any other appliance that burns gas or wood can create carbon monoxide under the right conditions, including but not limited to:

• Furnaces
• Stoves
• Water heaters
• Washer/Dryers
• Fireplaces
• Boilers

Carbon monoxide can also enter your home from outdoor sources, such as propane grills and wood burners. Unfortunately, most residential-quality air filters are unable to filter carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide from the atmosphere because the molecules are too small. Most homes in Helena, MT, use some kind of gas appliances, so homeowners need to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Can Air Conditioners Produce Other Harmful Gasses?

So, AC units cannot cause carbon monoxide poisoning, but do they produce other harmful gasses?

The answer is no. Under normal operation, your AC won’t produce any harmful vapors. The only gas by-products air conditioners create are hot air and water vapor, both of which pose no health risks. 

However, air conditioners can leak Freon gas if their coolant lines are damaged. Freon leaks can cause similar symptoms to carbon monoxide poisoning, such as cognitive difficulties or respiratory distress. Like carbon monoxide, Freon is naturally colorless and odorless, but manufacturers often add colored dyes and artificial scents to help detect leaks. 

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is relatively rare, but you should take proactive steps to reduce the risks. You can help safeguard against carbon monoxide poisoning by following these tips from our professionals: 

• Make sure there is a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home, including any basements or garages. You should also change all detector batteries once every six months. 
• Try not to use gas-burning appliances inside if possible. You can also replace gas appliances like stoves or water heaters with electric versions to eliminate emissions.
• Get regular furnace and HVAC maintenance. Maintenance not only prevents carbon monoxide leaks but will also improve your system's energy efficiency in general.
• Consider getting a professional indoor air quality assessment. Technicians can measure the amount of ambient carbon monoxide and provide recommendations to reduce concentrations. 

If one of your detectors goes off, don’t panic. You should first turn off any gas lines and exit your home. Then, call a professional to identify and fix the issue. 

5-Star HVAC & Indoor Air Quality Services in Helena, MT

Read our blog to learn more about energy consumption by an old AC unit. If you have any more questions like “Can AC units cause carbon monoxide poisoning?” contact the professionals at Premier Systems online or call 406-629-1583 to schedule an appointment in Helena, MT!