If your aircon is leaking carbon monoxide, it can quietly put your health at serious risk. In Singapore, many people depend on air conditioners all year round to stay cool. However, not many realize that, in some cases, air conditioners can be connected to systems that produce carbon monoxide (CO). This invisible gas has no smell, no taste, and no color, so you won’t know it’s there unless you look for it.
I’ve met several homeowners in Singapore who were shocked to learn their AC setup was allowing carbon monoxide to enter their homes. If you live in an HDB flat, condo, or landed property in Singapore, this guide will show you exactly how to detect if aircon is leaking carbon monoxide, how to prevent it, and how to protect your family.
Moreover, LS Aircon Servicing Singapore’s detailed process is a guide on this matter. Let’s also not forget their efficient services in aircon chemical overhaul, aircon repair, and aircon chemical wash domains.
Can an Aircon Really Leak Carbon Monoxide?
Most air conditioners in Singapore are electric, and on their own, they don’t produce carbon monoxide. But here’s the problem: if your aircon is installed near gas appliances or in a poorly ventilated area, it can pull carbon monoxide from those sources into your home.
For example:
- If your kitchen has a gas stove and shares ventilation with your AC unit.
- If your home uses a gas-powered water heater located near the AC intake.
- If a diesel-powered generator is used nearby during power outages.
In all of these cases, the air conditioner is leaking carbon monoxide into the home, not by producing it but by pulling it in from somewhere else.
Signs Your AC Unit Is Leaking Carbon Monoxide
Here are some clear signs to help you detect if aircon is leaking carbon monoxide:
1. You Feel Sick Only When the AC Is On
Some people feel dizzy, tired, or nauseous when the aircon is running but feel better once they leave the room or go outside. This is one of the earliest signs of carbon monoxide exposure.
2. You See Soot or Black Marks Near Vents
This can mean that carbon monoxide or other combustion gases are entering your home. If your aircon vents or nearby walls look stained or dark, call a technician.
3. You Notice Poor Air Circulation
If your room feels stuffy even when the aircon is blowing, it may be pulling in stale air or carbon monoxide from nearby gas sources.
4. Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off
Installing a CO detector in your home is the most reliable way to check if your AC unit is leaking carbon monoxide. In Singapore, you can find them online or at stores like Home-Fix or Harvey Norman. Place them in bedrooms, near AC vents, and close to gas appliances.
5. Burning or Fume-Like Smells
Carbon monoxide itself doesn’t smell. But if your AC is pulling in fumes from a nearby gas leak, you may notice strange or burnt smells. This is a warning sign.
What Makes Singapore Homes Vulnerable?
Singapore homes are often compact, with small utility rooms or shared ducts in HDBs and condos. Gas water heaters and cooking areas are often placed close to aircon compressors or ducts. Some landed homes also use generators during blackouts, increasing the risk.
One Bukit Timah homeowner experienced high CO levels because their AC system was located right next to a small generator that had been used overnight. No one thought twice until the family fell ill the next day.
Because of how homes are designed in Singapore, it’s very important to make sure your ventilation and AC systems are properly set up and regularly checked.
How to Prevent a Carbon Monoxide Leak from Aircon
If you want to make sure your aircon is not leaking carbon monoxide, here are a few simple steps you can take:
- Install CO Detectors: Place detectors near bedrooms and near aircon vents. Choose models with alarms and display screens to monitor CO levels.
- Keep Appliances Separate: Do not place gas-powered equipment near your AC intake or compressor. Keep them in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
- Ventilate Properly: Make sure your home has proper airflow. Don’t block exhaust vents or place furniture in front of them.
- Call a Licensed Technician: Book regular aircon servicing with professionals. In Singapore, look for NEA- or BCA-registered contractors who can inspect for carbon monoxide risks.
What To Do If You Think Your Aircon Is Leaking Carbon Monoxide
If you suspect that your aircon is leaking carbon monoxide in Singapore, don’t wait. Here’s what to do right away:
- Turn off the aircon immediately.
- Open all windows and doors to let in fresh air.
- Leave the house and get outdoors.
- See a doctor if you feel unwell.
- Call a certified technician to check the entire setup, including gas appliances and ventilation.
Final Thoughts
In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, aircon are a daily need. But if your aircon is leaking carbon monoxide in Singapore, it becomes a silent danger. By paying attention to small signs, installing a CO detector, and keeping gas appliances away from your AC unit, you can keep your family safe. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear and detect if aircon is leaking carbon monoxide before it becomes a serious health risk.
If you’re unsure, reach out to a trusted aircon professional who understands Singapore’s building layouts and local safety standards. Prevention is easier than cure, and it starts with knowing what to look for.
