What You Should Know About Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer
You might have something lurking in your home’s environment that, though unseen, could be affecting your health and safety. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a harmful, insidious gas that can spell trouble if it’s trapped in your home.
Known as the “silent killer” because of its lack of color, odor, or taste, it’s no welcome addition to a home. You might be wondering how it ends up in there in the first place. You can blame the incomplete burning of fuels that build up inside your home. When this happens, you’re unknowingly putting your and your family’s health at risk.
CO poisoning is nothing to dismiss. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 400 Americans die annually from carbon monoxide exposure. Identifying and resolving any CO leaks is the best way to play it safe.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Knowing how to spot carbon monoxide poisoning is important. The sooner you act, the sooner you can get better and resolve the underlying issue. Not everyone will experience all of the symptoms but there are some red flags that can indicate trouble in this way. Keep on the lookout for such physical ailments as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
One complication is that these complaints can mirror those of the flu, so it can be not as straightforward to identify carbon monoxide poisoning without relying on a professional’s expertise. However, if multiple people in your home present with the same symptoms around the same time, don’t delay making a call. Your health might depend on it.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
Getting the problem under control calls for understanding the origins of this poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide can come from both indoors and outdoors. Some of the biggest offenders include:
- Furnaces and heaters: Gas or oil-powered units can leak CO if not properly maintained or ventilated.
- Water heaters: Homeowners should have these appliances inspected regularly to prevent CO emissions.
- Fireplaces and wood stoves: Incomplete combustion can release CO into the home.
- Vehicle exhaust: Running a car in an attached garage, even with the door open, can contribute to the issue.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Being proactive is the best way to protect yourself and your family from this danger. Here are few actions you can take for peace of mind:
- Install carbon monoxide detectors: One of the best things you can do to curb your risk of poisoning is to install CO detectors. These additions can help you identify when something is amiss. Without them, you might not even know there’s an issue. CO detectors measure the amount of carbon monoxide in the air.
The EPA has issued the following guidance regarding carbon monoxide detectors:
- Detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor or on the ceiling.
- Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance.
- Each floor needs a separate detector.
- Place a detector near the sleeping area and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake you up.
- Regularly test and replace batteries.
- Proper ventilation: Be sure you maintain adequate ventilation when using fuel-burning appliances. Be mindful of this when cooking.
- Regular maintenance: Stay on top of recommended inspections and maintenance for heating systems, chimneys, and other appliances. We should mention it’s more than a suggestion to have your HVAC system inspected and maintained regularly by a qualified technician. They can identify and address any potential issues that could lead to carbon monoxide production.
- Generator safety: Keep generators outdoors while in use and away from windows and doors.
- Vehicle safety: Avoid turning the engine on in an enclosed space, such as a garage.
- Educate yourself and others: Read about the indicators of carbon monoxide poisoning and share this information with those in your community.
What to Do in Case of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
If you’re concerned you might have carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t waste time. Here’s what you should do to get clarity:
- Evacuate: Get fresh air by going outside. If you can, open windows and doors to ventilate.
- Call 911: Seek medical attention for yourself and anyone else experiencing symptoms. Avoid re-entering until a professional has determined it’s safe.
By having a firm command of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and taking action, you can do your part to ensure your home remains a safe space.
Speaking of action, it’s best to have your furnace and any fuel-burning appliances regularly inspected by a qualified professional. That way, if there are any problems they can be addressed before it’s catastrophic. In this way, following a maintenance schedule makes sense. The cost of a routine check could save you hundreds or thousands down the line.
If you have an older furnace or heating unit, pay close attention to how it’s working. If you notice something is off, it’s time to have it inspected to determine if you need a replacement. In this case, it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry.
One important distinction: electric furnaces do not produce carbon monoxide in your home because they use a different method to produce heat. Gas furnaces use carbon fuel sources, so their combustion is what can lead to CO exposure in your home. Electric furnaces, however, don’t come with the same concerns.
In a perfect world, you’d have a relationship with an HVAC service company with a preventative maintenance contract. That way, you don’t have to worry about an expensive visit when you have this assurance.
There’s no better time than now to put your health first. Contact JO Mory today and schedule a maintenance check for your HVAC unit. With fall and winter around the corner, it’s important to know your furnace is in proper working order.
A partner you can trust, JO Mory is licensed, bonded and insured. We take pride in serving customers in Northern Indiana, the Tri-State area, and beyond. If you have questions or would like to arrange for a free quote, please Contact Us online or give us a call: 800.621.6679.