Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and dangerous — testing is the only way to know your home is keeping this silent gas where it belongs: outside.
Carbon monoxide detection and testing checks for CO — a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances and heating systems. Real Spect evaluates the conditions that can allow this dangerous gas to build up inside a home, and measures the levels actually present in the air.
You can't see carbon monoxide, you can't smell it, and elevated levels can be dangerous or even deadly. Testing is the only reliable way to know whether a home's appliances and ventilation are keeping CO where it belongs — safely vented to the outside.
Eric D. Smith provides carbon monoxide testing throughout De Soto and Southern Illinois. With more than 9,000 inspections completed over 29 years, and every inspection following the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice, he gives you a clear, honest read on your home's safety — explained in plain language.
A Real Spect carbon monoxide test examines the sources and conditions that determine whether CO can build up in your home.
Furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other fuel-burning appliances — the equipment that can produce carbon monoxide.
Measurement of carbon monoxide levels so you know exactly what's present in the home's air, not just what's assumed.
Review of the venting and flues that are supposed to carry combustion gases safely up and out of the home.
Guidance on where carbon monoxide detectors should be located for the best chance of an early warning.
Carbon monoxide gives no warning you can sense — no color, no smell, no taste. Early symptoms of exposure often mimic the flu, which is exactly what makes it so dangerous: people can dismiss the warning signs until it's too late.
The risk rises with fuel-burning appliances, aging equipment, and blocked or failing vents — all things that develop quietly over time. A home that was safe a few years ago may not be today, which is why testing matters whether you're buying or you've lived somewhere for years.
A carbon monoxide test gives you the facts about your home's air and the equipment that affects it — so you can address any concern before it becomes a genuine emergency.
Your test delivers an on-site, computer-generated report that's free of technical jargon and easy to understand.
From your first phone call to final report delivery, here's exactly what to expect.
Call 618-924-1982 or use our contact form. We'll answer your questions and offer a free, no-commitment cost consultation.
Eric checks fuel-burning appliances, venting, and CO levels, following ASHI Standards of Practice. You're encouraged to attend.
You receive an on-site, computer-generated report with clear findings, photos, and recommendations you can actually use.
Questions after the report? Eric provides post-inspection consultation and honest advice on your next steps.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuel is burned. Because you can't see or smell it, dangerous levels can build up without warning, and early symptoms often feel like the flu. That combination is what makes CO so hazardous — and why testing is the only reliable way to know your levels.
CO is produced by fuel-burning appliances and systems — furnaces, water heaters, gas ranges, fireplaces, and similar equipment. Problems usually arise when an appliance malfunctions or a vent or flue is blocked or failing, allowing CO to enter the living space instead of exiting the home.
Detectors are essential, but they're a last line of defense that alarms once CO has already reached a dangerous level. Testing and evaluating the appliances and venting helps identify problems earlier, and Real Spect can also advise on whether your detectors are placed where they'll actually protect you.
Yes. Carbon monoxide testing pairs naturally with combustible gas detection and with a full home inspection, so you can cover multiple safety concerns in a single visit. Just let us know what you'd like included when you schedule.
Real Spect Home Inspections is based in De Soto and serves communities across Southern Illinois — including Anna, Benton, Carbondale, Cartersville, Du Quoin, Herrin, Pinckneyville, and West Frankfort. Give us a call to confirm your area.
Call Eric today • IL License #450.000678 • ASHI Standards of Practice • 9,000+ Inspections • Serving Southern Illinois for 29 Years