Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is nearly impossible to detect because it lacks any scent or visual presence. It is critical to know that this type of gas buildup is possible in any type of home because it can develop in furnaces, dryers, and other appliances, especially when running your heat. Your best defense against it, then, is to learn a few ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and to teach your family members what to do to get the help they need.
The Best Ways to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Your first step is to understand what carbon monoxide is so that you know how this type of poisoning can happen in your home. CO, as it is chemically known, is commonly found in the fumes from burning fuel, as stoves, grills, furnaces, gas ranges, and dryers do. If you operate a gas dryer or other appliance in your home, there is a chance CO is present.
Typically, CO is properly funneled out of the house through vents that connect from the device or appliance directly outside. Typically, this means the risk of CO entering into the air in your home is low. However, during the winter months, when all doors and windows are typically closed, the risk of poisoning rises if there are even small leaks present.
The problem is that you cannot see it, smell it, or know it is there unless you have a CO detector that can provide you with a warning. As you head into the colder portion of the year, it is critical to take a few steps to help reduce the risk of CO poisoning occurring in the first place. Here are some strategies to put in place now to help with that process.
Ensure Your Appliances Are Inspected and Maintained Professionally Each Year
Having an annual inspection of your heating and cooling system, your water heater, and any other appliance in your home that uses natural gas, coal, or oil for operation is essential. This allows for any type of leak or area of potential damage to be repaired right away, minimizing the risk of CO poisoning. Ensure a qualified, licensed technician does the work for you.
Make Sure You Have a Battery-Operated CO Detector in Place
A CO detector is one of the most powerful tools available to you for detecting the presence of carbon monoxide and alerting you to it, including well into the evening. It should be a battery-operated model or one with a backup battery function to ensure that the system will activate even if your home loses power. You should also change those batteries at least one time a year to ensure they are always working to protect your family.
Avoid Using a Generator, Especially in or Near Your Home
Generators are common problems for CO poisoning because of the amount of carbon monoxide they produce, and that means that, even when they are close to your home outdoors, they can be a problem for high levels of this gas. If you need to use one, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are unsure if there is any concern, be sure to speak to your local technician about the system for a full inspection to be completed.
Do Not Use Coal-Burning Devices in Your Home
That should include charcoal grills, camp stoves, or others that use either coal or gas. These items, even used in the garage, increase the risk of poisoning from occurring. If you need to use one, ensure it is outside of the home, where it has good access to the outdoor air for proper ventilation.
Avoid Using Any Appliance that Is Not Vented Properly
Ventilation is key to ensuring you do not find yourself facing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and yet it is very easy not to notice problems with your appliances. However, if your stove or fireplace is not vented properly, do not turn it on or use it in any way until you get the vents fixed. This helps to ensure that your home is safe from potential gas leaks.
Do Not Heat Your Home Using the Oven
After you are done using your gas oven, turn it off and leave the door closed. Though it may be tempting to keep the door open to help heat your home, that increases the risk that CO will move into your home’s air space instead of being properly vented out of the home. With the door left closed, that is less likely to occur.
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Let Our Technicians Take a Look at Your Home’s Systems
Preventing carbon monoxide leaks is not something to put off, and our team at Ambient Edge can help you make sure your home remains safe. When you contact our team, we can set up a full maintenance call to inspect each of the appliances in your home that could put your family at risk. That lets us go to work to ensure your home is properly protected.
If we find any type of concern, we will alert you to the problem and provide you with the support you need to make any necessary repairs. Many times, these are small problems that can be fixed quickly unless your appliances are very old and damaged. Our team is here to help you to ensure you remain safe.
Let us make sure your carbon monoxide detector is properly working as well. If you need to have one installed, let us know. We can help you to get the right product in place in no time, ensuring you have peace of mind. Get the support you need now.
Schedule a Maintenance Call with Our Technicians Today
With all of the ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning listed here, there is nothing more important than having a licensed technician to make updates and repairs to your home and all of your appliances. Contact the team at Ambient Edge now for a service call. We also provide 24/7 emergency services when you need help fast.
