Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From AC?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced whenever any type of fuel is burned. Unfortunately, it can also be produced by faulty heating systems, car exhausts, and even generators. If inhaled, carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems, including death. In fact, carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in the United States.
So, Can I Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From my air conditioner?
So, can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from your air conditioner? The answer is yes – but it’s very unlikely.
Here’s why: Air conditioners don’t burn fuel. They use an electric motor to compress refrigerant, which then circulates through your home to cool the air. Because there’s no combustion involved, there’s no carbon monoxide produced.
However, there are a few circumstances where your air conditioner could produce carbon monoxide.
- If your AC unit is powered by a natural gas furnace, for example, the furnace could produce carbon monoxide that gets circulated through your home along with the cooled air.
- Another possibility is that your AC unit is located near a source of carbon monoxide, such as a running car or a barbecue grill. In this case, the carbon monoxide could be drawn into your home through the AC unit’s intake vents.
Fortunately, both of these scenarios are very unlikely. And even if they did occur, the amount of carbon monoxide produced would be so low that it wouldn’t pose a health risk.
So, while it’s technically possible to get carbon monoxide poisoning from your air conditioner, it’s very unlikely. However, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. There are other ways that carbon monoxide can enter your home, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and what to do if you suspect you’ve been exposed.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a portable air conditioner
The short answer is no – you cannot get carbon monoxide poisoning from a portable air conditioner because they use electricity, not combustion, to operate.
While it is true that some portable air conditioners do produce small amounts of carbon monoxide gas when in use, the levels are well below what is considered dangerous and pose no threat to human health. The main reason for this is that portable air conditioners do not use combustion to generate power like other appliances such as furnaces or ovens. Instead, they rely on electricity to power the compressor and fan.
So how could carbon monoxide be produced by a portable air conditioner? There are two potential ways:
- The AC unit could be placed too close to an open flame such as a candle or stovetop. In this case, the heat from the flame could cause the AC unit’s plastic housing to melt and release carbon monoxide gas. This is why it’s important to always keep your portable air conditioner at least three feet away from any open flames.
- If the AC unit’s exhaust hose becomes blocked, this could cause the unit to release small amounts of carbon monoxide gas into the room. This is why it’s important to regularly check the exhaust hose for any blockages and to keep it clear of any furniture or other objects that could impede airflow.
If you have any concerns about carbon monoxide and your portable air conditioner, we recommend contacting the manufacturer for more information.
