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As temperatures drop, heating systems are firing up, and with that comes an increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. CO is an invisible, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, grills, and gas space heaters. Under normal conditions, CO is safely vented outside. But when equipment malfunctions or vents get blocked, CO can accumulate indoors—posing a serious threat.
Here’s what every homeowner should know to keep their home safe:
Know the Symptoms of CO Poisoning
- Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, drowsiness, and confusion. Unfortunately, these mimic the flu, so it’s easy to misdiagnose.
- Warning sign: In severe cases, a bright red face could indicate CO poisoning.
CO Exposure Levels
- For healthy adults, CO becomes toxic at levels over 35 parts per million (ppm) after eight hours of exposure (OSHA standard). At 35-200 ppm, mild symptoms like headaches or sore eyes may appear after a few hours.
- Moderate exposure (200-800 ppm) can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, and vomiting within an hour, while extreme exposure (800 ppm+) can cause unconsciousness, brain damage, or death in just minutes.
- Infants, elderly individuals, and those with heart conditions are at greater risk.
Take Action at the First Sign of CO Symptoms
- If anyone in your home shows symptoms, leave immediately and call your local fire or police department. Don’t just open windows—this makes it harder for authorities to assess the CO levels when they arrive.
Prevent CO Buildup with Routine Maintenance
- Check for broken or blocked vents and flues. Rust, holes, or disconnections can cause CO buildup, so call us if you spot anything unusual. Installing guards over rooftop vents can help keep out debris and prevent blockages.
- Watch for incomplete combustion. Unusual appliance noises or frequent shut-offs can signal a problem. Appliances have built-in safety features, so if something keeps turning off, call us instead of restarting it.
Place CO Detectors Wisely
- CO detectors work best when installed just outside sleeping areas, ensuring that alarms are heard. Placing a detector near a furnace or other appliance can lead to false alarms, so position them thoughtfully for accurate monitoring.
When in doubt, call us for an inspection! Keeping you safe from carbon monoxide exposure is part of our commitment to your peace of mind.
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