Carbon Monoxide Emergency: What to do if you suspect a leak at home

That headache that won’t go away, the dizzy spells, or the nausea that seems to hit everyone in your house at the same time – these aren’t just winter blues. As someone who’s been responding to CO emergencies in Minneapolis for over 17 years, I’ve seen too many families brush off these warning signs until it’s almost too late. Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer for a reason, and in a city where furnaces work overtime for months, knowing what to do could save your family’s life.

Why Minneapolis families trust us with their CO emergencies

When I started MplsCOEmergency back in 2008, I had one simple goal: prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in Minneapolis homes. After 17 years and countless emergency calls, I’ve learned that trust isn’t just about showing up fast – it’s about being honest, thorough, and treating every home like it’s your own family inside.

Here’s what sets us apart from other HVAC companies:

• True 24/7 availability – You reach me or my team directly, not an answering service
• 30-minute emergency response – Because CO emergencies can’t wait
• Owner-operated business – I personally oversee every emergency call
• No upselling tactics – We fix what needs fixing, nothing more
• Plain English explanations – No confusing technical jargon
• Full licensing and insurance – Minneapolis Class A HVAC License, EPA 608 Universal, NATE Certified

“I’ve responded to over 1,200 CO emergency calls in Minneapolis, and I can tell you that every minute counts. The difference between a close call and a tragedy often comes down to recognizing the signs early and getting professional help immediately.” – Mike, Owner

Our deep knowledge of Minneapolis homes and heating systems

After nearly two decades working exclusively in Minneapolis, I know this city’s heating challenges inside and out. Those beautiful old homes in Uptown and Northeast Minneapolis? They’re charming, but their aging furnaces and original ductwork can create perfect conditions for CO buildup. The newer construction in Downtown and South Minneapolis brings different challenges – sometimes it’s improper installation or inadequate ventilation.

Our team has worked on everything from 1920s bungalows with original cast iron heat exchangers to modern high-efficiency units in downtown condos. This experience means we can quickly identify potential CO sources specific to your home’s age, construction, and heating system.

Here’s exactly how we handle your CO emergency

When you call us with a suspected CO leak, here’s what happens:

The complete range of CO safety services we provide

Our CO emergency and prevention services cover everything you need to keep your family safe:

• CO Leak Detection – Advanced testing equipment identifies even trace amounts of carbon monoxide throughout your home
• Emergency CO Response – Immediate response to suspected leaks with 30-minute arrival guarantee
• Furnace Repair – Emergency and scheduled repairs for all furnace types, focusing on CO-related issues
• Heat Exchanger Inspections – Detailed inspection of this critical component where most CO leaks originate
• Carbon Monoxide Safety Inspections – Annual preventive inspections to catch problems before they become dangerous
• CO Detector Installation – Professional installation and placement of CO detectors in optimal locations
• Furnace Maintenance Plans – Regular maintenance programs designed specifically to prevent CO buildup
• Insurance Claim Assistance – Help documenting and filing claims for CO-related damage or emergency repairs
• Landlord Safety Checks – Required CO safety inspections for rental properties
• Real Estate CO Audits – Pre-purchase inspections for buyers and sellers

What makes us Minneapolis’s most trusted CO emergency service

Our reputation in Minneapolis comes from results, not marketing. Here’s what really matters:

• 576+ hours of formal training including specialized CO emergency protocols
• OSHA Safety Training for all technicians
• Fully bonded and insured with workers’ compensation coverage
• All technicians have 3-4+ years minimum experience
• Specialized CO emergency training beyond standard HVAC certification
• Community-focused approach – we live and work in Minneapolis too

“The most important thing homeowners need to understand is that CO symptoms often mimic the flu – headaches, nausea, dizziness. But if multiple family members have these symptoms and they improve when you leave the house, that’s a red flag for carbon monoxide.” – Mike, Owner

Recent CO emergency calls we’ve handled around Minneapolis

Uptown: Responded to a family of four experiencing headaches and dizziness – found a cracked heat exchanger in their 1940s home, potentially saving their lives.

Northeast Minneapolis: Emergency call for a duplex where tenants reported feeling sick – discovered blocked chimney vent causing dangerous CO buildup.

Downtown Minneapolis: Condo building emergency where multiple units reported CO detector alarms – traced to improperly installed shared venting system.

South Minneapolis: Late-night call for a young family with a newborn – found furnace vent had been blocked by snow, creating immediate CO danger.

Dinkytown: Student housing emergency where residents thought they had food poisoning – actually CO poisoning from a faulty furnace heat exchanger.

Every Minneapolis neighborhood we serve

We provide 24/7 CO emergency response throughout Minneapolis and surrounding areas. From the historic homes in Loring Park to the newer developments in Northeast, we know the unique heating challenges each neighborhood faces. See our complete service area coverage here.

The CO safety questions Minneapolis homeowners ask most

Q: How quickly can CO levels become dangerous in my home?

A: CO can reach dangerous levels surprisingly fast. In a small, sealed room with a significant leak, dangerous levels can build up in as little as 30 minutes. This is why we guarantee 30-minute response times for emergencies.

Q: Can I use my furnace if I suspect a CO leak?

A: Absolutely not. Turn off your furnace immediately, open windows if possible, and leave the house. Don’t turn it back on until we’ve identified and fixed the source.

Q: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover CO emergency repairs?

A: Many policies do cover emergency CO repairs, especially if there’s property damage or if the repair prevents further damage. We help with insurance documentation and claims.

Q: How often should I have my furnace checked for CO safety?

A: Annual inspections are minimum, but I recommend bi-annual checks for furnaces over 10 years old or if you live in an older Minneapolis home. Check our guide on furnace age and CO risk for more details.

Q: What’s the difference between CO detectors and smoke detectors?

A: CO detectors specifically detect carbon monoxide gas, while smoke detectors detect particles from fire. You need both, and CO detectors should be placed differently – check our CO detector placement guide for proper installation.

“One thing I always tell Minneapolis homeowners is that CO problems are often worse in older homes, but they can happen anywhere. I’ve found dangerous CO levels in brand new construction due to installation errors. Age doesn’t matter – proper inspection and maintenance do.” – Mike, Owner

Insider tips to protect your family from CO poisoning

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

Know the early warning signs beyond the obvious:

• Condensation buildup on windows when the furnace runs
• Yellow or orange furnace flames instead of blue
• Soot buildup around furnace or vents
• Furnace cycling on and off more frequently
• Unusual odors when the furnace starts

Simple maintenance that prevents CO emergencies:

• Keep furnace vents clear of snow and debris (especially important in Minneapolis winters)
• Replace furnace filters regularly – dirty filters can cause combustion problems
• Never use portable generators, grills, or camp stoves inside your home
• Have your chimney inspected if you have a fireplace – blocked chimneys cause CO buildup
• Test CO detectors monthly and replace batteries twice yearly

What to do if your CO detector goes off:

1. Don’t ignore it – treat every alarm as real
2. Get everyone out of the house immediately
3. Call 911 from outside your home
4. Call us at (651) 403-6300 for emergency response
5. Don’t re-enter until we’ve cleared the air and fixed the source

What our Minneapolis customers are saying

“Mike and his team saved our lives, literally. We thought we all had the flu, but it turned out to be CO poisoning from our furnace. They responded within 20 minutes at 11 PM on a Sunday and found the cracked heat exchanger immediately. Professional, honest, and genuinely caring about our family’s safety.” – Cordelia M., Uptown Minneapolis, January 2025

The reality of CO emergencies in Minneapolis

Here’s the honest truth about carbon monoxide emergencies: they’re more common than most people realize, especially in a city like Minneapolis where furnaces run hard for months. The good news is that most CO problems are completely preventable with proper maintenance and quick response when warning signs appear.

The challenging part? CO symptoms often develop gradually, and by the time you realize what’s happening, your judgment might already be impaired. That’s why having a trusted emergency response team who can reach you within 30 minutes is so critical.

We’ve seen families who waited too long, thinking they just had winter colds, and we’ve seen families who called at the first sign of symptoms. The difference in outcomes is dramatic, and that’s why we take every call seriously, no matter how minor it might seem.

If you’re reading this because you’re concerned about CO in your home, trust that instinct. It’s better to have us check and find nothing than to wait and risk everything. Use our annual CO safety checklist to help identify potential risks, and make sure you understand Minnesota CO laws that protect your family.

For immediate CO emergency response in Minneapolis, call (651) 403-6300 now. We’re standing by 24/7 with our 30-minute response guarantee.