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Q: We recently purchased our first house. It is an older home, and still has the original gas furnace. The furnace runs and does heat the house, but is it safe? Can it be letting harmful gas in the house that we can’t smell?

What steps do I take to make sure this unit is performing safely?

Are there any telltale signs?

Rich in Erlanger, Kentucky

A: It is very possible for a gas furnace, if not maintained and inspected, to introduce carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced from the burning of fossil fuel. Common sources of carbon monoxide include wood-burning stoves, oil or gas-powered furnaces, and even cigarette smoking. 

There are some physical symptoms that indicate carbon monoxide. For example, at low concentrations fatigue may appear in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, symptoms exhibited may be impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Other symptoms include flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. High concentrations of carbon monoxide can be fatal.

As good preventive measure from accidental exposure to carbon monoxide, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

To keep the heating system in safe and workable condition, you should have the unit inspected by a Service Tech on an annual basics. Make sure that the inspection includes a CO test, and inspection of the heat exchanger.