Chimney Pro Solutions
Carbon Monoxide and Your Chimney: What Seattle Homeowners Need to Know
Most Reliable Chimney & Fireplace Services company for Homeowners Throughout King County Since 2011.
Why Chimneys Are a Carbon Monoxide Risk
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion. Your chimney's job is to safely exhaust CO and other combustion gases out of your home. When the chimney system fails to do this effectively, whether from blockages, damaged liners, poor draft, or improper appliance connections, CO enters your living space. The CDC estimates 50,000 emergency room visits annually in the US from accidental CO poisoning.
Chimney Conditions That Allow CO to Enter Your Home
- Blocked flue from debris, animal nesting, or collapsed liner sections
- Cracked or failed flue liner allowing exhaust to escape through chimney walls
- Downdrafts pushing flue gases back into the firebox and room
- Insufficient combustion air to the appliance causing incomplete combustion
- Oversized appliance producing more exhaust than the flue can handle
- Improperly installed or connected appliance venting
- Creosote fire damage that has compromised the liner
Warning Signs of CO Risk
These signs suggest your chimney system may be allowing CO or combustion gases into your home:
- Smoke backing into the room when operating the fireplace
- Unexplained headaches or nausea that improve when you leave home
- Yellow flames on gas appliances (should be blue)
- Soot staining around the fireplace opening
- Excessive condensation on windows when fireplace is operating
- Animals or insects coming out of the fireplace
- CO detector alarm activating
CO Detector Placement
Washington state requires CO detectors in all sleeping rooms in new construction. For older homes, best practice is: one detector on each level of the home, one in each bedroom (or outside each sleeping area), one near any gas appliance. Replace CO detectors every 5 to 7 years, the sensor degrades over time. Test monthly.
If your CO detector activates: evacuate immediately, leave doors open as you exit, call 911 from outside, and do not re-enter until cleared by emergency services.
Preventing CO from Your Chimney
- Annual professional chimney inspection and cleaning
- Install and maintain CO detectors on every level
- Never use gas ovens, generators, or grills indoors for heat
- Ensure proper combustion air supply to all gas appliances
- Have appliance connections and venting inspected when changing appliances
- Don't use fireplace if any CO-related warning signs are present
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gas fireplaces produce carbon monoxide?▼
Yes. Any gas appliance with incomplete combustion produces CO. Properly adjusted gas fireplaces with functional venting produce minimal CO, but annual inspection ensures this remains true.
How do I know if my chimney is causing CO issues?▼
Symptoms of CO exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion that resolve when you leave the home. A CO detector that alarms is the most reliable alert. Have the chimney inspected immediately.
Is my new CO detector accurate?▼
CO detectors have lifespans of 5 to 7 years. Most have end-of-life signals. Test monthly and replace on schedule. Don't rely on a detector older than 7 years.
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What Homeowners Are Saying
"Shawn gave an estimate and quickly scheduled the cleaning. He did a great job and answered all our questions about fire safety and chimney maintenance!"
"We had a really bad experience with another contractor who took our money and left us with an unfinished and unsafe chimney. We were nervous about hiring someone else after that, but Chimney Pro Solutions made the whole process completely different. They took the time to explain what was wrong, showed us exactly what needed to be rebuilt, and were very clear about the work from the beginning. Their team rebuilt our chimney professionally, kept us updated throughout the project, and made sure everything was completed properly. After what we went through before, it was a huge relief to finally work with a company that was honest, reliable, and stood behind their work. We’re very happy with the rebuild and would definitely recommend them."
"I had a great experience with Chimney Pro Solutions. They were always responsive and willing to work with our schedule. I had a lot of difficulty with other chimney places getting a response or working with my schedule, but these folks actually care about their work and were always respectful and commutative from David responding to my emails and Sean doing the work and texting with updates. If you need high quality chimney services these are your folks! The photos of the before and after work speak for themselves so go ahead and give them a call!"
"Listen, when I tell you, Sean from Chimney Pro solutions is a good dude, I can’t stress it enough. He came out to assess my fireplace and chimney in March after we were smelling smoke in the house days after having a fire. He found my firebox was looking a little rough and that there was a solid amount of creosote in the chimney. He gave me several options for remediation/repair. Due to family emergency I had to leave town for several months. I wound up having reschedule repair service three times and he couldn’t have been more gracious and understanding. As for the service, he did a beautiful job. I didn’t realize how gross my fireplace was. It looks brand new and is safe to use. Plus he was meticulous about cleaning up after himself. I told him he’ll be our first call when it comes time for roof repair! Call these guys!!"
"We recently had Chimney Pro Solutions repair our chimney in Seattle after noticing cracks and water leaks around the fireplace. Sean explained everything clearly, showed us photos of the damage, and the crew did an amazing job with the repairs. The chimney looks great now and we feel much safer using our fireplace. Highly recommend!"
"Excellent experience replacing our old gas fireplace with a new one! The team was professional, efficient, and did a beautiful job with the installation. Everything works perfectly, and the new fireplace looks amazing. Great communication, clean workmanship, and overall outstanding service. Highly recommend!"
"We had our chimney inspected last Tuesday and it was repaired today, such a fast turnaround from our technician, Yuval. He was knowledgeable, professional, and took the time to clearly explain what needed to be done without any unnecessary upselling. The cost was also very reasonable. We highly recommend Chimney Pro Solution if you need chimney services. After dealing with concerns about our chimney, it was a relief to have everything handled quickly and professionally. We now have real peace of mind."
"Chimney Pro solutions came out to inspect my gas fireplace. They was really thorough and professional! Will definitely suggest them to friends and family."
"Great experience with Chimney Pro Solutions. Sean arrived on time, explained everything clearly, and showed me photos from the inspection. The work was done professionally and cleanly, with no pressure or upselling. I’d definitely recommend Chimney Pro Solutions."
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