Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is a byproduct of appliances and heating equipment every Wabash Valley homeowner use regularly. Particularly during winter, when gas-fired furnaces and stoves are utilized in well-sealed, energy-efficient houses, carbon monoxide can become a concern. Over 400 Americans die from accidental exposure to this gas every year. Most of them were never even aware of the presence of CO in their homes. Don’t wait for early danger signs or indicators of carbon monoxide exposure; they’re usually too late to protect you. Here’s what to keep in mind to prevent death or injury from carbon monoxide:
- CO accumulates in enclosed spaces. A carbon monoxide hazard can result from a gas-fired appliance emitting trace amounts of the gas that silently increase to fatal levels inside the house. Because it’s colorless and odorless, occupants of the home may have no warning that the level of gas is rising.
- Symptoms are often indefinite. Physical reactions to CO gas may be identical to common illnesses like the flu or simple fatigue. Headache, unexplained weakness, dizziness, nausea and confusion may be early symptoms. Many victims of carbon monoxide die in their sleep as CO gas silently fills the home.
- Risk factors vary. At sufficient levels, carbon monoxide is fatal to all humans and animals. However, certain individuals such as infants, the elderly and persons with chronic lung diseases or anemia are at higher risk at lower levels.
- Home appliances need an annual check-up. Gas-fired furnaces, as well as stoves and water heaters, should get a yearly inspection and tune-up from a qualified professional. Homeowners should always make sure these devices are properly ventilated to the exterior and that the vent is unobstructed and intact.
- Install one or more carbon monoxide detectors. One CO detector should be installed on every level of your home in or close to sleeping quarters. Push the “Test” button twice a year and change batteries if the unit is battery-powered.
Since 1922, Paitson Bros. has kept the interior environment of Terre Haute area homeowners safe and comfortable year-around. Ask us about protection from the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about carbon monoxide and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922