CO Emergency at 2 AM? We’ll Be There in 20 Minutes

That middle-of-the-night CO alarm going off isn’t just scary—it’s potentially life-threatening. I’m Mike from MplsCOEmergency, and I’ve been getting Minneapolis families out of dangerous carbon monoxide situations since 2008. When your furnace starts leaking CO and every minute counts, you need someone who picks up the phone immediately and gets to your home fast.

What Makes Our Team Different From Other HVAC Companies

After 17 years fixing furnaces in Minneapolis, I’ve learned that CO emergencies don’t follow business hours. That’s why when you call (651) 403-6300, you’re talking to either me or one of my experienced techs—not an answering service. We guarantee someone will be at your door within 30 minutes, because I know how terrifying it feels when you’re not sure if the air in your home is safe to breathe.

Every tech on my team has completed specialized carbon monoxide emergency training and carries professional-grade CO detection equipment. We’re fully licensed with Minneapolis HVAC Class A certification, EPA 608 Universal, and NATE certification. More importantly, we’ve helped hundreds of Minneapolis families through CO scares, and we know exactly what to do to keep you safe.

“I’ve seen too many close calls over the years. When someone calls with a potential CO leak, getting there fast and fixing it right isn’t just good business—it’s about saving lives.” – Mike, Owner

Why Minneapolis Homeowners Trust Us With Their Family’s Safety

Minneapolis winters are brutal on furnaces, especially in our older homes throughout Uptown, Northeast, and South Minneapolis. I’ve worked on century-old heating systems and brand-new installations, but they all share one thing in common—when they fail, they can fail dangerously.

Our team understands the unique challenges Minneapolis furnaces face: cracked heat exchangers from temperature swings, blocked vents from snow and ice, and aging gas lines that develop leaks. We carry specialized equipment for every scenario and stock emergency repair parts on our trucks so we can fix most problems on the spot.

How We Handle Your CO Emergency Step by Step

When you call us with a carbon monoxide concern, here’s exactly what happens:

1. Immediate Phone Assessment – I ask key questions about symptoms and CO detector readings to determine urgency level
2. Safety First Instructions – Clear guidance on evacuation and what to do while we’re driving over
3. Rapid Response – Our closest truck is dispatched with full CO testing equipment
4. Professional Testing – We test CO levels throughout your home with calibrated digital meters
5. Source Identification – Systematic inspection of your furnace, water heater, and all gas appliances
6. Emergency Repairs – On-the-spot fixes for most issues, or safe shutdown if major work is needed
7. Safety Verification – Final CO testing to confirm your home is safe before we leave

All the Ways We Keep Your Home Safe From Carbon Monoxide

Here are the specific services we provide to prevent and respond to carbon monoxide dangers:

• CO Leak Detection – Professional-grade meters detect even trace amounts of CO that standard detectors miss
• Emergency CO Response – 24/7 rapid response for active CO alarms or suspected leaks with 30-minute guarantee
• Furnace Repair – Complete heating system repairs focusing on components that commonly cause CO leaks
• Heat Exchanger Inspections – Detailed camera inspections to find dangerous cracks before they become life-threatening
• Carbon Monoxide Safety Inspections – Annual comprehensive testing of all gas appliances and ventilation systems
• CO Detector Installation – Proper placement and wiring of high-quality carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home
• Furnace Maintenance Plans – Preventive service programs designed to catch CO risks before they develop
• Insurance Claim Assistance – Help documenting CO damage and working with insurance companies for coverage
• Landlord Safety Checks – Required CO testing and certification for rental properties
• Real Estate CO Audits – Pre-purchase inspections to identify potential CO hazards in homes you’re buying

What Our Customers Say About Our Emergency Response

“Our CO detector went off at 11 PM on a Sunday night. Mike answered his phone personally and was at our house in Highland Park in 18 minutes. He found a cracked heat exchanger that could have killed us. I can’t thank him enough for taking our emergency seriously.” – Sienna K., Highland Park, January 2025

The Experience and Certifications Behind Our Emergency Response

What really sets us apart is the depth of training each team member brings to your emergency. Every tech has completed over 576 hours of formal HVAC training plus specialized carbon monoxide detection coursework. We maintain current certifications including:

• Minneapolis HVAC Class A License
• Minnesota Gas Fitter Certification
• EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant License
• NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Certification
• OSHA Safety Training Certification
• Carbon Monoxide Emergency Response Training

More importantly, we’re fully bonded and insured with workers’ compensation coverage. You’ll never have to worry about liability when we’re working in your home during an emergency. See our complete licensing and certification details.

“People ask me how I can guarantee a 30-minute response time. The answer is simple—we keep trucks positioned around Minneapolis and our techs live in the neighborhoods they serve. When lives are on the line, logistics matter.” – Mike, Owner

Recent Emergency Calls We’ve Handled Around Minneapolis

Here are some recent carbon monoxide emergencies we’ve resolved for Minneapolis families:

• Uptown Duplex – Responded to CO alarm caused by blocked flue pipe, cleared obstruction and tested entire building safe within 45 minutes
• Northeast Minneapolis Bungalow – Found dangerous heat exchanger crack during midnight emergency call, provided temporary safe heating solution until morning repair
• Downtown Condo – Identified faulty furnace installation creating CO backdraft, corrected venting and prevented potential poisoning
• South Minneapolis Victorian – Emergency repair of cracked heat exchanger in 100-year-old home, coordinated with insurance for full replacement
• Highland Park Family Home – Responded to multiple CO detector activation, discovered blocked chimney from storm damage, cleared and verified safe operation

Every Minneapolis Neighborhood We Serve for CO Emergencies

Our emergency response trucks cover all Minneapolis neighborhoods and surrounding areas. We know the unique heating challenges in each area—from the old radiator systems in Northeast to the converted heating systems in Uptown lofts.

Primary service areas include: Downtown Minneapolis, Uptown, Northeast (Nordeast), South Minneapolis, Whittier, Phillips, Powderhorn, Marcy-Holmes, Loring Park, Kingfield, Nokomis, Linden Hills, Fulton, and Longfellow.

See our complete service area coverage and response times by neighborhood

Questions Minneapolis Homeowners Ask About CO Emergencies

How do I know if my family’s symptoms are from carbon monoxide poisoning?

CO poisoning symptoms often mimic the flu but without fever: headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. The key difference is that symptoms typically improve when you leave the house and worsen when you return. If multiple family members have similar symptoms, especially during heating season, call us immediately for emergency testing. Learn more about recognizing CO poisoning symptoms.

Should I try to fix a suspected CO leak myself?

Never attempt DIY repairs on suspected CO leaks. Turn off gas appliances if safe to do so, open windows for ventilation, and evacuate if anyone has symptoms. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless—only professional testing equipment can determine safe levels. Here’s exactly what to do if you suspect a CO leak.

How often should I have my furnace inspected for CO safety?

Minneapolis building codes recommend annual inspections, but I suggest checking before each heating season and after any severe weather that might affect vents or chimneys. Older furnaces (15+ years) benefit from more frequent safety checks. Our maintenance plans help catch problems before they become dangerous.

Will my insurance cover emergency CO repairs?

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover emergency repairs needed to prevent CO poisoning, especially when documented by licensed professionals. We help you document everything needed for insurance claims and work with adjusters regularly. Learn more about our insurance assistance services.

“The scariest part of my job is when families tell me they’ve been having headaches for weeks but didn’t connect it to their furnace. CO poisoning happens slowly, then suddenly becomes critical. That’s why I always tell people—when in doubt, call for testing.” – Mike, Owner

Insider Tips to Keep Your Family Safe From Carbon Monoxide

After nearly two decades of CO emergency calls, here’s what I want every Minneapolis homeowner to know:

Watch for These Warning Signs

• Yellow or orange furnace flames – Should be blue; yellow flames indicate incomplete combustion creating CO
• Soot around appliances – Black residue near your furnace or water heater signals dangerous combustion issues
• Rust on vent pipes – Corrosion indicates moisture problems that can lead to CO leaks
• Dead vegetation near outside vents – Plants dying around exhaust vents can indicate CO leaking

Learn about the most common causes of CO leaks in Minneapolis homes.

Prevention Steps That Actually Work

• Install CO detectors on every level, especially near bedrooms—test monthly and replace batteries annually
• Keep furnace areas clear of storage items that can block ventilation
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually—blocked flues are a major CO source
• Never use outdoor equipment (grills, generators, etc.) inside your home or garage

Get our complete CO safety checklist and detector placement guide.

What to Do If Your CO Detector Goes Off

1. Don’t assume it’s a false alarm—treat every alarm as real
2. Get everyone outside immediately, including pets
3. Call 911 if anyone has symptoms of CO poisoning
4. Call us at (651) 403-6300 for professional testing and emergency repairs
5. Don’t re-enter your home until professionals confirm it’s safe

Remember, CO detectors have a limited lifespan—most need replacement every 5-7 years. Check the manufacture date on yours and replace if it’s getting old. We can help with proper detector installation and placement.

Ready to Get Your Home Tested for Carbon Monoxide Safety?

Don’t wait for a middle-of-the-night emergency to find out if your furnace is safe. If you’re dealing with an active CO alarm, concerned about strange furnace behavior, or just want peace of mind for your family, we’re here 24/7.

Call (651) 403-6300 now. I’ll personally answer your questions and schedule emergency testing or routine safety inspections. After 17 years protecting Minneapolis families, I know there’s no such thing as being too careful when it comes to carbon monoxide.