Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations. Because it is undetectable by our senses, it is often referred to as the “silent killer.” Unfortunately, many instances of CO poisoning occur in the home, mostly because of faulty, fuel-burning appliances. In this blog, we are going to consider a few ways to protect you and your household from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Perhaps the most obvious way to protect yourself from carbon monoxide in the home is to install carbon monoxide detectors. These detectors are designed to detect dangerous levels of CO gas in the air and alert you with an alarm. It is recommended that you install CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, so that you can hear the alarm even when you’re asleep.
Another way to prevent CO poisoning in the home is to make sure that all fuel-burning appliances are installed properly and have maintenance performed on them regularly. This includes appliances such as gas water heaters, gas stoves, and furnaces. These appliances should be installed by a licensed professional and inspected regularly to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Lastly, if you have a chimney, it is essential to have it inspected regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. Blockages or damage to the chimney can cause CO to build up in your home, leading to CO poisoning. A professional chimney sweep should inspect and clean your chimney at least once a year to ensure that it is in good condition and free from any obstructions.