When the cold settles over Detroit and Lake St. Clair’s wind starts cutting through the neighborhoods, furnaces across the Tri-County area fire up for their longest stretch of the year. With windows sealed tight and systems running nonstop, even a small issue inside your heating system can have big consequences. One of the most serious is carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can escape from a cracked heat exchanger or a vent that’s no longer pulling properly.
It’s a danger most homeowners never see coming. Every winter, homes from Fraser to Ferndale experience CO alarms or furnace shutdowns that could have been prevented with a quick safety check. That’s why staying proactive with inspections and carbon monoxide testing isn’t just smart, it’s essential to protecting your family when the cold hits hardest.
Heat Exchanger Basics: Why Cracks Matter
The heat exchanger is the metal chamber inside your furnace that separates combustion gases from the warm air that circulates through your home. It allows heat to transfer safely until corrosion, vibration, or age creates small cracks.
In Detroit’s older neighborhoods, like those lined with post-war bungalows and brick colonials, furnaces often run well beyond their prime. After 15 to 20 years of expansion and contraction, a hairline crack can open the door for exhaust gases to leak into your home’s air. Those gases include carbon monoxide, which has no odor or color but can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue when inhaled.
Common signs of a cracked heat exchanger include:
- A faint metallic or burning odor when the furnace runs
- Rust or white residue around the burner compartment
- Unsteady orange or yellow flames instead of solid blue ones
- Carbon buildup or soot near the vent pipes
- Family members feeling nauseous or lightheaded indoors
If you notice any of these, shut the furnace off and call a licensed HVAC technician immediately.
CO Detectors: Placement, Testing, and Battery Schedules
A carbon monoxide detector is your home’s early warning system, and in Michigan, it’s just as essential as a smoke alarm. The best placement for detectors depends on how your home is laid out, but every level should have at least one unit.
Where to install detectors:
- In hallways outside sleeping areas
- Near the furnace or utility room (but not directly beside vents or registers)
- On each floor, including the basement
- About five feet above the floor or on the ceiling, since CO mixes evenly with air
Avoid installing detectors near bathrooms or windows, where steam or drafts can interfere with readings.
Testing and maintenance tips:
- Press the “test” button once a month
- Replace batteries when you change your clocks for daylight saving time
- Replace the entire detector every 5 to 7 years, depending on the model
If you’re unsure where detectors should go in your home, Detroit Furnace’s technicians can point out ideal spots during your next service visit. Our team prioritizes clear communication; we explain the “why” behind every safety recommendation, so you know exactly how to protect your family.
What Techs Inspect in a Fall Safety Tune-Up
Before temperatures dip into the 20s, a professional safety inspection is your best defense against hidden furnace issues. At Detroit Furnace, our tune-ups focus on the components most likely to cause CO leaks or efficiency loss.
Here’s what we look for:
- Heat exchanger condition: We use lights and cameras to check for cracks or corrosion that can release exhaust gases.
- Flue and vent draft: We confirm combustion gases are venting outdoors and not back into the house.
- Burner and flame pattern: Steady blue flames show proper combustion; yellow or uneven flames mean adjustments are needed.
- Gas pressure and connections: A precise mix of gas and air prevents incomplete combustion, a primary CO source.
- Filter and airflow: Restricted airflow causes overheating, which can warp internal parts and shorten system life.
- CO detector function: We ensure detectors are present, correctly positioned, and working as intended.
A fall tune-up doesn’t just improve safety, it also helps your furnace use less gas and maintain steadier comfort through the coldest weeks. Detroit Furnace’s technicians are known across Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland Counties for being prompt, professional, and pleasant to work with.
Make a CO Safety Plan Before Winter
At Detroit Furnace, we don’t just fix heating systems; we make the whole experience easier. Our customers call us because they know who’s showing up: friendly, certified technicians who communicate clearly, respect your home, and get the job done right the first time. From Fraser basements to downtown storefronts, we keep Metro Detroit’s furnaces running safely and efficiently through every freeze, storm, and late-season cold snap.
Stay warm, stay safe, and make carbon monoxide prevention part of your winter routine. Contact Detroit Furnace today to schedule your CO safety check or heating system service before the next cold front rolls through.
