Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home
Defining Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning by definition is “an illness caused by exposure to too much carbon monoxide: a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas”.
Too much carbon monoxide in the air you breathe can greatly diminish your ability to absorb oxygen, leading to serious tissue damage. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Is a Killer
On average, carbon monoxide poisoning kills more than 400 Americans each year, sending an additional 24,000 to the hospital. How does carbon monoxide poisoning relate to you as a homeowner? For one, the source of deadly levels of the gas can be found in almost every room in your home. Although your appliances make many routine tasks easier (heating the water, drying clothes, etc.), it’s these same household appliances that can also introduce carbon monoxide into the home if not properly maintained.
Proper Venting Is Essential
When fuel burning devices like furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers and fireplaces aren’t properly vented, they can release dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide into your home. High levels of carbon monoxide in your home are difficult to detect and incredibly dangerous, especially since it is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Fortunately, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning can be greatly reduced with a few preventative measures and proper appliance maintenance:
- Have your heating system, water heater and other natural gas burning appliances checked by a licensed, certified technician at least once a year
- Install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector
- In the event of a power outage, never run a portable generator or gas-powered engine more than 20 feet from an open window or vent
- Don’t use tape to patch vents – these types of patches can lead to carbon monoxide build up
- Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even if the door is up
Carbon Monoxide Can Even Effect Animals
Carbon monoxide poisoning can have adverse affects on every member of your household, endangering children, adults and even animals. Certain individuals, like babies and people suffering from chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems, are at an even higher risk.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
In the event that you suspect there may be unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide present in your home, there are a few common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning you can look out for, which include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
Suspect Carbon Monoxide in Your Home?
When in doubt, be sure. Climatech of Professional Air wants you to be safe. If you suspect the carbon monoxide level in your home is too high, inexpensive carbon monoxide detectors area available at stores such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes as well as online through Amazon and other online suppliers.
Contact Us
If your home’s heating and air conditioning system is in need of some TLC, Climatech of Professional Air should be your first call. We’ve has served the Pensacola area for more than 40 years, providing the area with the very best in heating and air conditioning service.
For more information, contact us at [email protected].
