Carbon Monoxide Safety: What Polk City Families Need to Know

The Silent Danger in Your Home

Every year, carbon monoxide poisoning sends thousands of Americans to the emergency room — and many cases occur right here in the Midwest during heating season. As Polk City's local HVAC experts, Trade Allies Heating and Cooling wants every family in our community to understand the risks and know how to stay safe.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuel — including the natural gas or propane your furnace uses. When your heating system is working properly, CO is safely vented outside. But a cracked heat exchanger, blocked flue, or malfunctioning burner can allow CO to leak into your living spaces.

Warning Signs of CO Exposure

• Persistent headaches, especially when you're home
• Dizziness, nausea, or confusion
• Flu-like symptoms that improve when you leave the house
• Soot or yellowish-brown stains near appliances
• A pilot light that frequently goes out

How to Protect Your Family

Install CO detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Most detectors have a lifespan of 5–7 years — check the manufacture date and replace expired units.

Never block vents or flues. Snow, ice, and debris can block your furnace exhaust. After heavy snowfall, check that your furnace vents and chimney are clear.

Schedule annual furnace inspections. A trained technician can detect hairline cracks in the heat exchanger and other issues that could lead to CO leaks — problems that are invisible to the untrained eye.

If Your CO Detector Goes Off

Don't ignore it. Immediately move everyone (including pets) outside, call 911, and do not re-enter until emergency responders give the all-clear.

Your family's safety is our top priority. Call Trade Allies Heating and Cooling at (515) 669-4481 to schedule a furnace safety inspection.