It’s easier to fight a visible threat than one that lurks unseen. Carbon monoxide gas is capable of delivering a lethal blow to your family, and you may not even know it’s in your home. Fortunately, you can arm yourself against this interloper by installing detectors that alert you to its presence.
Be aware of some of these early warning signs of carbon monoxide inhalation:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Chest pains
These flu-like symptoms are sometimes the precursor to death. In the U.S. alone, this poisonous gas is responsible for approximately 200 deaths each year. This statistic is the reason for you to stay vigilant and keep your family safe.
As a by-product of combustion, some of the sources of carbon monoxide may surprise you.
Gas-fueled appliances. If your clothes dryer, water heater or stove uses natural gas, you may be at risk. Make sure your dryer is vented to the outside, and the vent opening is properly sealed. Check the connections on your water heater to make sure they are not deteriorating and compromising your indoor air quality by leaking gas fumes.
Charcoal grills and stoves. If your home loses power, don’t rely on charcoal grills or stoves to cook food inside your home. Use these appliances outdoors where the combustion fumes can dissipate safely into the air.
Portable generators. Never operate your generator inside, and use it only outside a 15-foot perimeter of your house.
Garages. Leaving your car running in an attached garage is a dangerous practice. Carbon monoxide gas can build up inside the garage before it permeates insufficiently sealed homes through cracks, door openings and ductwork.
Use a proactive strategy to guard against poisoning by installing carbon monoxide detectors in these three key areas of your home:
- One detector on each level.
- One detector within 10 feet of each bedroom.
- One detector above or near the door that opens to your attached garage.
In Los Angeles, Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. is happy to partner with you to help keep your family safe. Please call us with all your questions and concerns.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about carbon monoxide and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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