Carbon Monoxide Detection in Home Inspections

Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most dangerous hazards in a home — and you can't see it, smell it, or taste it. At Next Inspections, testing for carbon monoxide is a core part of every inspection we perform, because the stakes are simply too high to skip it.

What Is Carbon Monoxide and Where Does It Come From?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuel-burning appliances don't operate properly. The most common sources in a home are:

•Furnaces (especially those with a cracked firebox)

•Water heaters

•Fireplaces and wood stoves

•Gas ranges and ovens

•Clothes dryers

•Attached garages (car exhaust seeping into living spaces)

When these appliances malfunction, CO can leak into your home's air instead of being safely vented outside.

Why Carbon Monoxide Is So Dangerous

Exposure to elevated CO levels causes:

•Headaches and dizziness

•Nausea and vomiting

•Chest pain and shortness of breath

•Confusion and loss of consciousness

•Death (in severe cases)

The problem is that symptoms mimic the flu — by the time you realize something's wrong, you could already be in danger. This is why detection during an inspection is critical.

How We Test for Carbon Monoxide

During your home inspection, we use professional-grade gas detection equipment (like the TOPTEK CT-580) to measure CO levels in your home. Here's the process:

1.Calibration — We verify our detector is working properly before testing

2.Furnace Testing — We take readings at the furnace and in the room where it's located

3.Multi-Room Sampling — We test living spaces, bedrooms, and other areas to ensure CO isn't accumulating anywhere

4.Thermal Imaging Support — We use infrared cameras to verify that hot and cold air are distributing properly through your vents, which indicates your furnace is operating correctly

What a Safe Reading Looks Like

A healthy furnace should show a CO reading at or near 0 ppm (parts per million). Readings above 35 ppm are considered unsafe and require immediate attention.

What you'll see in your report: Your inspection report will include the exact CO reading we measured, where we measured it, and what it means for your home's safety. If readings are normal, you'll get peace of mind. If elevated, we'll recommend immediate action.

What Happens If We Find Elevated CO

If our testing reveals elevated carbon monoxide levels, your report will include:

•The exact readings we recorded

•The location where CO was detected

•A clear recommendation to have a licensed HVAC technician inspect and repair the furnace immediately

•Guidance on whether the home is safe to occupy while repairs are pending

Do not ignore this finding. A cracked furnace firebox or venting issue is a serious safety hazard that needs professional repair before anyone should move into the home.

Prevention and Ongoing Safety

Even after an inspection clears your furnace, it's wise to:

•Install a battery-backed CO detector in your home (especially near bedrooms)

•Have your furnace professionally serviced annually

•Ensure all fuel-burning appliances are properly vented to the outside

•Never use a gas stove or oven for heating

•Keep your garage door closed and never run a car in an attached garage

The Bottom Line

Carbon monoxide testing isn't optional — it's essential. At Next Inspections, we test every home using professional equipment because your family's safety depends on it. If we find a problem, we'll flag it clearly so you can address it before you move in.

Ready for a CO-Safe Inspection?

Call us at 672-515-7100 or book online. On-site testing and a full report delivered within 15 minutes.

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Carbon Monoxide Detection