Another CO story -

Glen

I tested a 35 year old boiler this morning in a six plex. The new owners had suspected that servicing the beast had been casual at best over the years. I measured 1300 ppm CO before the draft diverter with zero draft! It made me take notice - and look for an exit. The fresh air vents had been taped over. Reestablishing a fresh air source dropped the CO to less than 80 with -0.02 inwc draft. We'll be remodelling the boiler room this spring with a new Biasi and indirect wh, combustion and ventilation air etc. We're not sure who may have taped over the grilles -

Ken D.

CO

That shows what conscientious testing will do. Probably averted a tragedy. Good job.

Ken D.

CO

That shows what conscientious testing will do. Probably averted a tragedy. Good job.

Mark Hunt

You sir

should be an example to our industry.

You did what 99% won't do. You tested.

Thank you very much!


Mark H

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Glen

We test -

even new installs. It has been my experience our analysers always take a beating on the first firing of an appliance. The CO calms down quite quickly - but it does make you sit up and take notice. Re first post - it was the zero draft that really made me take a second look. And did I mention there was also a gas fired clothes dryer in the same area. The boiler room will be remodelled in spring, seperating common areas and the mechanical. BTW - I have been following the various CO posts - and now have over 200 "stories" collected. I have tried to garner some interest with our local FD. They don't even track suspected CO incidents - we need a national or even international standard for reporting. It is my sad thought that CO kills more folks than we realise.

Greg Swob

I had an interesting CO call recently

The tenant had one or two classic symtpoms- headache, etc. She said she had "slept really deeply" the night before but woke up tired and with a headache.

The occupancy was a motel remodeled into efficiency apartments. A wall furnace was heating only 300 sq. ft. +/- of living space. While operating the unit and visiting with the tenant, my CGI alarmed. About then, I noticed the flames were starting to yellow. Not CO, but low O2! This was the first time that had happened to me. Glad my Ranger has an O2 sensor. Landlord had just recently tightened up the living unit with new windows, doors, storm doors, etc. to make it more efficient and comfortable. Too many Btus and not enough combustion air. The landlord had a new PTAC unit installed a day or two later. I shut off the wall unit and he loaned her temporary electric heaters.

Then, there was the really sooted up boiler this morning... Greg

jim sokolovic

Are you guys aware...

of the need to burn in the combustion chamber material for about a half hour before taking your combustion readings? Some ceramic boards have ingredients that produce CO (over 100 ppm) and smoke when first fired up - so you do not want to take combustion readings at that time.

Geno_15

ditto

it doesn't hurt to open your eyes and look around, not just at the unit, taped off the fresh air huh? Hmmmmm

Constantin

Hee Hee Hee..

... I'll bet you that was an ignoramus trying to save energy by taping up the intake... On the other hand, we keep being told to tighten up our homes... roads to hell being paved with good intentions, and all that.

Seeing that my oil burner does not allow direct hookups of exterior combustion air, I'm still working hard on sealing the heck out of the ultility room. Someday, there will be little leakage from there into the rest of the house...