Carbon monoxide, while invisible and odorless, is a killer. Of course, not everyone who comes into contact with the toxic gas will die, but they may suffer mild to serious health problems, including headaches, dizziness and nausea. The gas is especially dangerous for babies and elderly people — and it comes from a variety of sources. The best way to protect your family is to install carbon monoxide detectors.
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of the combustion process. That means anything that burns fuel could produce dangerous amounts of the gas, including:
- Grills.
- Gas-powered stoves, dryers, generators and water heaters.
- Woodstoves and fireplaces.
- Automobiles.
- Lawn equipment including mowers and snowblowers.
- Non-electric furnaces.
Keep in mind that often the most serious invasions of carbon monoxide stem from cracks in the heat exchangers of residential furnaces. Chimneys with partial or full blockages also catch many families off guard.
Carbon monoxide detectors are relatively inexpensive and can be as easy to install as smoke detectors. Some carbon monoxide detectors can be hard-wired into the home, which is a bit more complicated but ensures a steady power supply without requiring you to change the batteries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that every home be equipped with at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor. You also should install detectors near gas-powered major appliances.
In addition, you can prevent leaks in the first place by having your HVAC equipment inspected and maintained on a regular basis. A heating and cooling professional will be able to identify and repair problems that could increase the risk of exposure to this toxic gas.
Contact the professionals at Paitson Bros.with any questions about choosing carbon monoxide detectors for your home or the home of a loved one. We are always glad to help.
Our goal is to help educate our customers 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.
Paitson Bros. Heating and Air Conditioning services Terre Haute, Indiana. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922