How much carbon monoxide is normal

[ultrarunner]

Yes... talk is about bringing back controlled burns.

As for city... no idea as it requires a costly permit with public hearings to remove most trees...

This is why many just let nature take its course.

 

[ultrarunner]

Fire Department and Law Enforce simply do not offer the services as they did in the past.

Last time I saw a pro-active asking was PGE, the utility.

Just be warned, depending on who comes out it might just get red tagged if other calls pending.

 

[kenmac]

First are we talking about CO, or CO2. I keep seeing CO and CO2 referenced, which are two different things. CO is carbon monoxide CO2 is carbon dioxide

About the only reason a gas furnace will produce CO is improper combustion, which usually soots up the heat exchanger, and will sometimes also produce aldehyde.

If there is a crack in the heat exchanger, it is possible CO and Aldehydes to enter the heating vents and blown into the home.

If you take the vent off a properly burning gas furnace, it shouldn't produce CO, if it does, it will be very little.

I would want to know when the last time the service tech's CO meter was calibrated.

Having said all this, we're talking about a 38 year old furnace. I would want it replaced if nothing else for better efficiently.
If it's a1983 furnace, it would be lucky to be 70% efficient

 

[Muhammad]

First are we talking about CO, or CO2. I keep seeing CO and CO2 referenced, which are two different things. CO is carbon monoxide CO2 is carbon dioxide

About the only reason a gas furnace will produce CO is improper combustion, which usually soots up the heat exchanger, and will sometimes also produce aldehyde.

If there is a crack in the heat exchanger, it is possible CO and Aldehydes to enter the heating vents and blown into the home.

If you take the vent off a properly burning gas furnace, it shouldn't produce CO, if it does, it will be very little.

I would want to know when the last time the service tech's CO meter was calibrated.

Having said all this, we're talking about a 38 year old furnace. I would want it replaced if nothing else for better efficiently alone

We're talking about carbon monoxide.

The thing about the efficiency reasoning isn't as important to me since we need heat about ten days a year here. I'm more concerned with having heat at all on those ten days than saving a little money. It would probably take 30 years to earn back the cost of a new furnace.

I suppose another test might be in order. We've been getting by with a little space heater in the bedroom at night, but it world definitely be nice to warm the entrie house sometimes.

 

[kenmac]

We're talking about carbon monoxide.

The thing about the efficiency reasoning isn't as important to me since we need heat about ten days a year here. I'm more concerned with having heat at all on those ten days than saving a little money. It would probably take 30 years to earn back the cost of a new furnace.

I suppose another test might be in order. We've been getting by with a little space heater in the bedroom at night, but it world definitely be nice to warm the entrie house sometimes.

I see your point there.

It really depends on the manufacture of the furnace. the carriers of around that year were very bad to rust out / crack..
I have seen some crack within a few short years.

There are several ways to check for a cracked heat exchanger. knowing the furnace is a huge step in finding a crack if there is one.
Some brands would always crack in the same spot.


If there is a crack, it doesn't mean the furnace will produce CO. It mostly comes from improper combustion.
There are probably thousands (or more) furnaces operating with a cracked heat exchanger with no ill effects due to the furnace burning properly
Is it wise ? No, because he potential for CO to escape into the home is there.

As I said earlier. A properly burning furnace would produce very little if any CO out of the flue. Mostly CO2 and water vapor

I have seen people take the vent off and operate the furnace for years claiming heat is escaping out of that vent, so I took it off to heat my crawl space.
They things that make you go hummmm LOL

 

[KennyG]

I'm surprised anyone is still heating with gas in San Diego. I would think heat pumps would be a no brainer in that climate. Agree the old one should go. I have a CO detector that has a read out and it always stays at 0.0. If it said anything else I would be looking for the problem.

 

[kenmac]

I almost forgot about your question though. It's not what's really high or low levels of CO that gets' ya. it's all about the exposure time, and how tight the structure is. doors , windows opened and closed allowing in into the structure will change the levels of CO and exposure

Levels of carbon monoxide exposure range from low to dangerous: Low level: 50 PPM and less. Mid level: Between 51 PPM and 100 PPM. High level: Greater than 101 PPM if no one is experiencing symptoms.

As stated. I would want someone that had a good meter that had been calibrated .

Like smoke detectors in homes. Sensors in test equipment don't last for ever

 

[kenmac]

I almost forgot about your question though. It's not what's really high or low levels of CO . it's all about the exposure time, and how tight the structure is. doors , windows opened and closed allowing in into the structure will change the levels of CO

Levels of carbon monoxide exposure range from low to dangerous: Low level: 50 PPM and less. Mid level: Between 51 PPM and 100 PPM. High level: Greater than 101 PPM if no one is experiencing symptoms.

As stated. I would want someone that had a good meter that had been calibrated .

Like smoke detectors in homes. Sensors in test equipment don't last for ever

 

[Sigarms]

First are we talking about CO, or CO2. I keep seeing CO and CO2 referenced, which are two different things. CO is carbon monoxide CO2 is carbon dioxide

My mistake:confused3:

Yes, CO"2" as in two parts of oxygen. For whatever reason reason, always have a brain fart writing it out because I know mono is 1 and di is two. Kind of embarrassing actually:laughing:

 

[Egon]

Carbon monoxide has killed many people. It is heavier than air and will collect in low points. Itç—´ effect is cumulative. Itç—´ also odourless and colourless. It is a serious issue in confined spaces at a workplace.

With the house furnace being almost forty years old just replace the furnace as a failure can/will cost lives.

Do some research in a “ Work Place Safety Official site” for reliable information!

One site, reliability unknown.
Guidelines for the Gas Service Industry: Carbon Monoxide | Technical Safety BC