Your Carbon Monoxide Questions Answered by a Minneapolis Expert

Hi there! I’m Mike, and I’ve been helping Minneapolis families stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning for over 17 years. Every winter, I get calls from worried homeowners asking the same questions about strange smells, furnace noises, or family members feeling sick. You’re not alone in having these concerns – CO poisoning is a real threat in our older Minneapolis homes, especially during our brutal winters.

What Makes MplsCOEmergency Different from Other HVAC Companies?

After 17+ years in Minneapolis, I’ve learned that carbon monoxide emergencies don’t follow business hours. That’s why we’re truly available 24/7 – no answering service, just real techs ready to help. When you call our emergency line at (651) 403-6300, you’ll get someone who understands the urgency and can be at your door within 30 minutes.

What really sets us apart is our focus. While other companies try to do everything, we specialize in carbon monoxide detection and prevention. We know Minneapolis homes inside and out – from the old Victorian houses in Uptown to the historic homes in Northeast Minneapolis. Each area has its own challenges, and we’ve seen them all.

“I’ve responded to over 1,200 CO emergencies in Minneapolis. The patterns are always the same – older furnaces, blocked vents from snow, and cracked heat exchangers. But every family’s story is different, and that’s what keeps me motivated to do this work.” – Mike, Owner

Why Minneapolis Homeowners Trust Us

Our team isn’t just experienced – we’re specialized. Every technician has CO emergency training, and we maintain Minneapolis HVAC Class A licenses, EPA 608 Universal certification, and NATE certification. We’ve completed over 576 hours of formal training because carbon monoxide work isn’t something you learn on the job.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Owner-operated business – I personally train every technician
• Plain-English explanations – no confusing technical jargon
• No unnecessary upsells – we only fix what’s actually broken
• Fully bonded, insured, and workers’ comp covered
• Help with insurance claims when needed

How We Handle Your CO Emergency

When you call us, here’s exactly what happens:

All the CO Services We Provide

We handle every aspect of carbon monoxide safety in Minneapolis homes:

• CO Leak Detection – Professional-grade equipment to detect dangerous CO levels throughout your home
• Emergency CO Response – 24/7 immediate response when you or your family experience CO poisoning symptoms
• Furnace Repair – Fix cracked heat exchangers, blocked vents, and other CO-producing furnace problems
• Heat Exchanger Inspections – Thorough examination of your furnace’s heat exchanger for cracks or damage
• Carbon Monoxide Safety Inspections – Annual home safety checks to prevent CO emergencies before they happen
• CO Detector Installation – Professional installation and placement of CO detectors in optimal locations
• Furnace Maintenance Plans – Preventive maintenance to keep your furnace running safely all winter
• Insurance Claim Assistance – Help documenting CO damage and working with your insurance company
• Landlord Safety Checks – Required CO safety inspections for rental properties in Minneapolis
• Real Estate CO Audits – Pre-purchase CO safety inspections for home buyers

What Our Customers Say About Us

“Mike and his team saved our family’s life. We were all getting headaches and feeling dizzy, but thought it was just the flu. When our CO detector finally went off at 2 AM, we called MplsCOEmergency and they were here in 25 minutes. Turned out our heat exchanger had a crack we never would have found ourselves.” – Caleigh M., Uptown Minneapolis, January 2025

Recent CO Emergencies We’ve Solved

Here are some recent calls we’ve handled across Minneapolis:

• Uptown Minneapolis – Responded to a family of four with CO poisoning symptoms from a cracked heat exchanger in their 1920s bungalow
• Northeast Minneapolis – Emergency repair of a blocked furnace vent caused by heavy snow and ice buildup
• Downtown Minneapolis – CO leak detection in a high-rise condo where faulty ventilation was pulling exhaust from the parking garage
• South Minneapolis – Heat exchanger replacement in a Powderhorn Park home after CO detector activation
• North Minneapolis – Emergency furnace repair when a family started experiencing headaches and nausea

“The scariest calls I get are from families who’ve been sick for weeks but didn’t realize it was CO poisoning. That’s why we always tell people – trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, call us immediately.” – Mike, Owner

All Minneapolis Areas We Cover

We provide emergency CO services throughout Minneapolis and surrounding areas. Our central location means we can reach you quickly, whether you’re in the heart of downtown or the outer neighborhoods like Linden Hills and Kingfield.

For a complete list of all areas we serve, including response times and local insights, check our full service area map.

The Questions We Get Asked Most

How do I know if my CO detector is working properly?

Test your CO detector monthly by pressing the test button. If it doesn’t beep loudly, replace the batteries immediately. CO detectors should be replaced every 5-7 years, and in Minneapolis, I recommend having them professionally checked annually because our heating season is so long. For detailed guidance, check our CO detector placement guide.

Why does my furnace smell weird after we haven’t used it for a while?

A slight dusty smell when you first turn on your furnace is normal – that’s just dust burning off. But if you smell something metallic, chemical, or if the smell persists, shut off your furnace and call us immediately. Strange smells can indicate CO leaks or other dangerous problems. Learn more about warning signs of heat exchanger problems.

Can CO detectors give false alarms?

CO detectors rarely give false alarms. If yours goes off, take it seriously and get fresh air immediately. Even if it turns out to be a malfunctioning detector, it’s better to be safe. We’ll test your home’s CO levels for free if you’re unsure. Read our guide on what to do during a CO emergency.

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

In Minneapolis, I recommend annual CO safety inspections before heating season starts. Our winters are long and brutal, putting extra stress on furnaces. Many CO emergencies happen in January and February when furnaces are working hardest. Check our annual CO safety checklist and learn about CO risks during winter months.

Insider Tips to Keep Your Family Safe

After 17 years of CO emergencies, here’s what I want every Minneapolis homeowner to know:

Snow and Ice Can Kill

Minneapolis winters create unique CO risks. Snow can block exterior vents, and ice can damage vent pipes. After heavy snowstorms, check that your furnace vents are clear. If you can’t safely reach them, call us for a quick check. Our winter CO safety guide explains these risks in detail.

Trust Your Body

CO poisoning symptoms – headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue – are often mistaken for flu or stress. If multiple family members feel sick at home but better when they leave, that’s a red flag. Don’t wait for your CO detector to go off. Learn to recognize early signs of CO poisoning.

Age Matters

Furnaces over 15 years old are much more likely to develop CO leaks. Heat exchangers crack over time, and Minneapolis’s temperature swings accelerate this process. If your furnace is older, consider more frequent inspections. Read about how furnace age affects CO risk.

“I always tell customers that CO detectors are your last line of defense, not your first. By the time they go off, you’ve already been exposed. That’s why preventive maintenance is so important – we catch problems before they become emergencies.” – Mike, Owner

The Reality of CO Emergencies

Here’s what I wish more people understood: CO emergencies are completely preventable with proper maintenance, but they’re also more common than most people realize. The good news is that with fast response and proper equipment, we can usually fix the problem the same day.

The challenge is that CO is invisible and odorless. Your furnace can be leaking dangerous levels of CO while appearing to work normally. That’s why we use professional-grade detection equipment that can measure CO levels far below what home detectors can sense.

Ready to protect your family? Call us at (651) 403-6300 for immediate help or to schedule a preventive CO safety inspection. We’re here 24/7 because carbon monoxide doesn’t keep business hours.