Homeowners who use gas to heat their home’s air, water and/or food should be concerned about safety related to potential carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and make sure their home is outfitted with working carbon monoxide detectors. Several types of home heating methods can produce carbon monoxide gas that can be lethal if undetected. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and to avoid circumstances, such as improper heater operation or venting, that can lead to sickness and even death. Kerosene and gas space heaters, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, gas water heaters, gas stoves and leaking chimneys are all capable of producing carbon monoxide. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning, have a professional technician install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and perform regular maintenance on appliances that are fueled by gas or oil.
Because CO omits no odor or taste, it often goes undetected until it is too late. Carbon monoxide is produced when low levels of oxygen prevent the production of carbon dioxide. The gas is measured in (ppm) or parts per million. Gas stoves that are properly adjusted produce between 5 and 15 ppm. A malfunctioning furnace, for example, may produce levels as high as 30 ppm, which could pose a serious threat.
Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home — preferably near sleeping areas and on each level of the house — will allow you the piece of mind knowing that you and your family will be alerted when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide arise. These detectors usually mount high on a wall in specific areas in the home similar to fire alarms. An alarm sounds when the device detects higher than normal or dangerous levels of CO that could pose a serious health threat or even death. In the event you experience carbon monoxide exposure, get fresh air immediately. Open doors, windows and turn off any appliances that might be producing the gas. Hire a licensed professional to inspect all appliances that operate with an open flame.
Dayton area homeowners can rely on Ace Hardware Home Services for expert advice on carbon monoxide detectors as well as all of their heating and cooling needs. Contact us today at Ace Hardware Home Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about carbon monoxide detectors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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