Because we live in a climate that’s conducive to outdoor activities year-round, CO poisoning is a continual hazard. Carbon monoxide (CO) is the byproduct of incomplete combustion and it’s impossible to see or smell. Your only protections are CO detectors placed in your home and avoiding exposure altogether.
These activities generate CO and while it may be difficult to avoid it, you can reduce the risk by being careful in these situations:
- Garages. Many homes in the region have attached garages that can emit CO into the home. Running your car in the garage, barbecuing on a blustery day, or even starting the lawnmower inside the garage can bring this gas inside. You can avoid CO exposure by applying weatherstripping on the door that connects your home to the garage and caulking any crevices on the common wall to tighten the seal. A fan that vents to the outdoors will also reduce your exposure.
- Boats. Sitting at the back of a slow-moving or idling boat increases your chance of CO poisoning.
- Camping or picnicking. Tent heaters emit small amounts of CO, as do campfires. Use caution around campfires and follow heater instructions carefully.
- Heating equipment. If your furnace uses gas or propane, it’s a good idea to have it serviced annually. The HVAC professional goes through the entire system, cleaning and adjusting the parts and verifying that the gas connections are tight. A clean furnace minimizes the chances of developing a crack in the burner, which can emit CO into your home. If yours develops a crack, either the HVAC technician or the gas company will disable it until it’s repaired or replaced.
- Loose ductwork. If you have any loose ducts and have vented gas appliances under the roof, you run the risk of pulling CO inside each time your HVAC equipment runs. HVAC contractors use special equipment to find the leaks and permanent sealants to close them.
To learn more about CO poisoning and your HVAC system, contact Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ve provided outstanding HVAC services for the greater Los Angeles area since 1967.
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 CO poisoning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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