Carbon Monoxide Detection

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:

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:

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:

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 Happens If We Find Elevated CO

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

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:

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.