When the colder temperatures arrive, it is natural to want to seal up your home and then crank up your thermostat. Unfortunately, while this can help you to stay warm and comfortable, it can also increase the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide or CO is a tasteless and odorless gas, which is created as a byproduct of imperfect combustion. This means that it is produced every time a material is used for fuel or combustion. If you have any appliances inside your home which use natural gas, propane, kerosine, gasoline, oil, charcoal or wood, there is a risk of CO exposure. So, here we’ll explore how you can protect your home and household from carbon monoxide leaks.

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide:

Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S visit the emergency room each year due to inadvertent CO poisoning, with over 400 fatalities. The reason for this is because many people don’t realize they have been exposed to CO until they start to feel unwell. CO is known as a “silent killer” as it prevents the body from correctly processing oxygen. The CO molecules impede the oxygen in the blood, which deprives the vital organs including the brain, heart and lungs of oxygen.

Large amounts of CO can quickly overwhelm your system in a matter of minutes. This can lead to suffocation and a loss of consciousness. Without immediate medical intervention, brain damage or even death can occur.

Unfortunately, even relatively low concentrations can also make you vulnerable to CO poisoning. This means that the gradual exposure can still lead to severe symptoms. The common signs of CO poisoning include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Chest pains
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Since these symptoms can be mistaken for the flu or a bad cold, many people don’t realize they have been exposed to CO until more severe symptoms develop. The only easy way to distinguish between the flu and CO poisoning is that the symptoms of CO poisoning lessen if you leave the home, which indicates the source of the problem is inside the home.

Safety Tips to Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

Although CO exposure is scary, it can be avoided and there are a number of ways to keep your family safe. These include:

Consider the Safety of Running Your Appliances:

When you have combustion appliances, you should always be aware of how to run them safely. For example:

  • If you’re using garden tools or a generator in a confined space, such as your garage or basement, you should not leave them running, regardless of how well ventilated the area seems.
  • Keep combustion appliances approximately 20 feet away from open doors, windows or intake vents.
  • Don’t leave your vehicle running when it is parked in a partially enclosed or covered building such as a garage.
  • Don’t use a transportable camping stove or charcoal grill inside a tent, camper or home.
  • Keep all flues and vents clear of debris to prevent a blockage which could cause the back drafting of CO fumes.

Install and Maintain CO Detectors:

If you have any combustion appliances in your home or around your property, it is advisable to install CO detectors. These alarms will alert you if there is a CO leak. You can install a battery operated, plugged in or hardwired detector, but it is crucial that they are properly installed and maintained.

  • Proper Placement: CO detectors should be installed on every floor, adjacent to your garage and near every sleeping area. The units should be out of reach from combustion appliances and not near sources of humidity or heat. The higher on a ceiling or wall that you can place the detectors, the better.
  • Regular Checks: Most manufacturers recommend testing CO alarms every month to ensure they are functioning correctly. Models tend to have a test button, which you need to press and hold for five to 20 seconds. The alarm should sound and you can then release the button. You should be able to hear a couple of short beeps, see a flashing light or both. If this does not occur, you may need to replace the batteries or replace the unit.
  • Replace the Batteries: If you have battery powered detectors, you should replace the batteries every six months or if the alarm starts to intermittently beep. If your hardwired device has a battery backup, replace the batteries every year.
  • Install New Detectors: You should also install new CO detectors every 10 years or sooner subject to the manufacturer recommendations.

Ensure Your Appliances are Maintained Annually:

Many appliances including water heaters, furnaces and fireplaces may emit CO fumes if they are not properly installed or they are not operating as they should. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your appliances are maintained properly. This will provide a way to check if your appliance is faulty before a leak can develop.

For example, a furnace annual service appointment includes checking for signs of CO leaks, searching for any malfunctions which could cause unsafe operations, and tuning up the appliance to ensure peak safety and productivity. Your technician may also be able to advise you of additional areas where your home may benefit from installing a CO detector.

Regular maintenance can not only ensure that your appliances are operating safely, but it can also improve the energy efficiency. So, while you will need to pay the cost of the servicing appointment, you may find that this is offset by reducing your energy usage.

Summary:

The prospect of carbon monoxide poisoning is very daunting for many people, but there are a number of things that you can do to protect your home and family. If you still have concerns about CO leaks around your home, be sure to speak to your HVAC technician. An experienced technician can assess your heating and cooling equipment to ensure that there are no issues which could lead to a CO leak. The technician can also provide advice and guidance about CO safety.