When it comes to protecting your family there are several safeguards that instantly come to mind, such as dead bolts on exterior doors, smoke detectors on every floor and motion sensor lights outdoors to ward off intruders. There is one more item that should be added to your checklist: carbon monoxide hazards. Help keep your family safe from this silent killer by locating, identifying and helping prevent exposure to CO in your Grosse Pointe Woods home.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
When fossil fuels such as coal, propane or natural gas burn and a sufficient amount of oxygen is available, combustion is complete and carbon dioxide is produced. When there are insufficient levels of oxygen available during this process carbon monoxide is produced; an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, which can be deadly in the right quantities.
Symptoms of CO poisoning can include:
- Drowsiness
- Chest Pains
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you suspect CO exposure in your home, immediately open all doors and windows, evacuate your home, and dial 911 for emergency assistance.
Locating, Identifying And Preventing Carbon Monoxide Hazards
Periodic inspections in and around your home can help reduce your risk of exposure and should include:
- Visually inspecting your chimney for signs of damaged or discolored bricks near the opening.
- Examining your fireplace for an excessive accumulation of soot, and to confirm there is an upward draft.
- Checking the flames on gas burning appliances: a blue flame is desirable, but a yellow or orange flame is a bad sign.
- Looking at flue pipes for signs of corrosion or rust.
- Ensuring that all fuel burning appliances are vented to the outside, and that vents are free of blockages.
- Examining ductwork for signs of cracks or breaks.
To help prevent CO exposure in your home:
- Install a CO detector in close proximity to all sleeping areas.
- Never run a vehicle in your garage or carport.
- Have your HVAC equipment inspected annually.
For more information on how to protect your family from carbon monoxide hazards, call the experts at Aladdin Heating & Cooling, proudly serving residents in the Oxford, Clarkston and Auburn Hills areas of Southeast Michigan.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan 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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