With colder temperatures comes running your furnace more often. This increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, if certain furnace issues are present. You should be vigilant for carbon monoxide by investing in a good carbon monoxide detector for your home. You should be aware of potential risks that come with carbon monoxide and ways to prevent poisoning.
Reasons for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and extremely toxic gas. Since you can’t see or smell it, it can kill before symptoms are ever present. It is a product of an incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide occurs when certain products are burned, such as gas, kerosene, wood, coal, oil, or propane. When your HVAC system isn’t properly maintained or vented, carbon monoxide poisoning may result.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
If you are concerned about CO poisoning, you might be able to spot some of these symptoms before it becomes a serious danger:
- Blurred vision
- Weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Dull headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
Prevention for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is hazardous, and it is critical you take measures to prevent it in your home. Here are some tips to protect your family:
- Check the batteries in your CO detector on a regular basis
- Have your furnace checked by a professional at least once a year to check the pilot light
- Have seasonal preventative maintenance performed on your furnace and all fuel-burning appliances in your home
- Make sure your unit is properly vented for combustion byproducts to exit your home
- Keep your generator outside, at least 20 feet away from the home
- Keep fuel-burning space heaters vented during use
- Do not use gas ovens or cook tops for supplemental heating
The best prevention is to install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.. Detection will keep you safe in case carbon monoxide becomes an issue in your home.
Keep your loved ones safe this winter by installing a carbon monoxide detector and servicing your heating system. With Estes Services help, you can have HVAC maintenance performed on your system immediately. Call us today and schedule a call with our professionals.
