Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that can kill you if you inhale it. This gas is usually found in fumes produced from the burning process. Furnaces, fireplaces, stoves and lanterns produce carbon monoxide. This gas is also produced when you burn fuel in cars, trucks, power generators and small engines.
People at risk of CO poisoning
Most people are at risk of CO poisoning because many appliances used in the home may leak carbon monoxide when they malfunction. Some of these appliances are your gas cooker and your refrigerator. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless so it can build up indoors and poison people and domestic animals. Infants and elderly people are particularly at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. People with anemia, heart disease or breathing problems are also at high risk of CO poisoning.
How to prevent CO poisoning in your home
You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by taking a few sensible precautions. Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home make sure it works properly. Ensure that your chimney is properly cleaned every year. If your chimneys are blocked by debris, this may lead to a buildup of CO in your home or cabin. Avoid using portable chemical heaters indoors and never burn charcoal indoors. Do not use portable gas stoves indoors and never use a generator inside your house, garage or basement.
How to prevent CO poisoning from cars or trucks
Do not ignore a small leak in the exhaust of your car or truck. This can lead to a buildup of CO inside the vehicle and may poison you and other people in the car. If your garage is attached to your house, do not run your car in the garage because CO may flow into nearby rooms.
Seek professional assistance
You are not a professional at preventing CO poisoning so it makes sense to consult professionals to do this for you. Ensure that your gas appliances are serviced by a professional technician twice a year. You should also have your air conditioning and heating systems serviced by qualified and competent technicians.
Final word
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one risk you do not have to take. Get in touch with us for all your heating and air conditioning needs and we will give you the perfect solution.
