What is one major risk factor associated with carbon monoxide poisoning in homes?

Faulty furnaces represent a significant risk factor for carbon monoxide poisoning in homes because they can produce this dangerous gas when combustion is incomplete. This can occur due to a variety of issues such as improper installation, lack of maintenance, or age-related wear and tear. When these systems malfunction, they may fail to vent carbon monoxide outside effectively, allowing it to accumulate indoors, which poses serious health risks to occupants.

In contrast, while overheating may lead to other safety concerns, it does not directly relate to the production of carbon monoxide. High humidity can affect comfort levels within a home but does not typically increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Drafty windows, although they can allow for the entrance of cold air, do not contribute to the generation of carbon monoxide within a home. Thus, faulty furnaces are clearly the main concern regarding the creation and potential accumulation of this hazardous gas in residential settings.