As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, homeowners naturally rely more on heating systems, fireplaces, and other combustion based appliances to stay comfortable indoors. While those systems serve an essential purpose, they also introduce a silent, invisible hazard: carbon monoxide (CO). For homes inspected by Cosmic Property Inspections, understanding the increased risk of carbon monoxide in winter is a key part of safeguarding your property and your family’s health.
Why winter increases carbon monoxide risks
During the colder months, homes tend to be more tightly sealed to conserve heat. Windows remain closed, drafts are minimized, and air circulation is reduced. That very lack of ventilation means carbon monoxide produced by fuel burning appliances (like furnaces, boilers, gas stoves, or fireplaces) may accumulate rather than dissipate. In addition, heating systems are used more frequently and for longer durations in winter, increasing the opportunities for CO production.
Another winter specific factor is the stack effect, warmer air inside the home rises and escapes through the upper levels, pulling cooler air (and any unsafe combustion gases) upward from lower levels. If fuel burning appliances are located in basements or utility rooms, the result can be a draw of CO into living spaces.
Common sources of carbon monoxide in the home
Some of the most frequent culprits include malfunctioning or improperly maintained furnaces, water heaters, boilers, and gas ranges. If a chimney or vent becomes blocked by snow, ice, or debris, combustion gases including CO may back up into the home instead of exhausting properly outdoors. Generators should never be used inside a home, garage, or enclosed space. Likewise, only portable heaters specifically designed for indoor use should be operated indoors—outdoor-only units can quickly produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide.
Signs you should never ignore
CO is colorless and odorless, meaning you won’t see or smell it. Symptoms of exposure can mimic the flu: headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and confusion. If multiple people in the household experience these simultaneously, especially in the morning or when the heating system is running, it could indicate elevated CO. That’s why Cosmic Property Inspections emphasizes the importance of both safety inspections and the installation of certified CO detectors in key locations.
What homeowners should do this winter
- Regular inspection and maintenance – Have your fuel burning appliances and vents inspected annually. A qualified HVAC contractor can check that the system is operating safely, vents are clear, and combustion is efficient.
- Install CO detectors – Place detectors on each level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Even newer homes with CO alarms benefit from a third party inspection.
- Ensure proper ventilation – Avoid blocking vents or chimneys with snow or ice accumulation. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, always ensure the flue is functioning and open when in use.
- Be alert during power outages – If you use a generator or portable heater, operate it only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Never run a generator indoors and only use portable heaters that are specifically rated for indoor use to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
- Schedule a professional home inspection – Cosmic Property Inspections offers thorough evaluations of heating systems, ventilation, and safety devices to help protect your property and family from hidden hazards.
Winter may bring cozy moments in front of the fire or the hum of a forced air heating system, but it also elevates the risk of carbon monoxide entering the home unnoticed. By staying proactive, inspecting appliances, maintaining ventilation, using alarms, and working with trusted professionals like Cosmic Property Inspections, you can rest easier knowing your home is safe. Protect your investment and your loved ones by treating carbon monoxide awareness as a vital part of your cold weather readiness.
–Written by the staff writing team at HappyWriters.co
