Winter temperatures encourage homeowners to secure their homes and turn up the thermostat, elevating the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. Close to 50,000 people in the U.S go to the emergency room every year as a result of unintended CO poisoning, and more than 400 people die.

This odorless, tasteless, colorless gas is a side effect of incomplete combustion, which means it’s created any time a material is combusted or used for fuel. If the appliances in your home use natural gas, oil, propane, kerosene, wood, gasoline or charcoal, you’re susceptible to CO exposure. Find out what happens when you inhale carbon monoxide gases and how to minimize your risk of exposure this winter.

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Often known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is lethal because it keeps the body from using oxygen properly. CO molecules uproot oxygen within the blood, starving the heart, brain, lungs and other vital organs of oxygen. Large volumes of CO can overwhelm your system in minutes, causing loss of consciousness and suffocation. Without immediate care, brain damage or death may occur.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can also happen slowly if the concentration is fairly modest. The most prevalent signs of CO exposure include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Weakness
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Chest pain
Confusion

Since these symptoms resemble the flu, numerous people don't find out they have carbon monoxide poisoning until moderate symptoms evolve to organ damage. Look out for symptoms that decrease when you leave home, suggesting the source might be originating from inside.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

While CO exposure is intimidating, it’s also entirely avoidable. Here are the ideal ways to help your family avoid carbon monoxide gas.

Operate Combustion Appliances Properly

Don't run your car engine while parked in a covered or partially enclosed structure, like a garage.
Do not use a generator, lawn mower or other gasoline-powered tool in a confined space like a basement or garage, no matter how well-ventilated it might be. Also, keep these devices around 20 feet away from open windows, doors or intake vents.
Never use a charcoal grill or small camping stove within a home, tent or camper.
Keep all vents and flues free of debris that may lead to a blockage and trigger backdrafting of carbon monoxide gases.

Install, Test and Replace the Batteries in Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you ever operate combustion appliances in or close to your home, you should put in carbon monoxide detectors to alert you of CO emissions. These devices can be hardwired, battery-operated or plugged into an outlet depending on the style. Here’s how to make the most of your carbon monoxide detectors:

Install your detectors securely: As you consider the best locations, don't forget that a home does best with CO alarms on every floor, near each sleeping area and near the garage. Keep each unit out of reach from combustion appliances as well as sources of heat and humidity. The higher on a wall or ceiling you can place your detectors, the better.
Review your detectors on a regular basis: The bulk of manufacturers suggest monthly testing to confirm your CO alarms are operating correctly. Simply press and hold the Test button for 5 to 20 seconds, wait for the alarm to begin and let go of the button. You ought to hear two brief beeps, see a flash or both. If the detector does not function as anticipated, change the batteries or replace the unit entirely.
Swap out the batteries: If you have battery-powered models, swap out the batteries after six months. If you prefer hardwired devices that use a backup battery, Swap out the battery once a year or when the alarm begins to chirp, whichever comes first. Then, install new carbon monoxide alarms every 10 years or whenever the manufacturer suggests.

Arrange Annual Furnace Maintenance

Multiple appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and clothes dryers, may release carbon monoxide if the equipment is installed improperly or not performing as it should. A yearly maintenance visit is the only way to ensure if an appliance is faulty before a leak develops.

A precision tune-up from Service Experts offers the following:

Check the heating appliance for carbon monoxide leaks.
Spot any malfunctions that could cause unsafe operation.
Review additional areas where you might benefit from putting in a CO detector.
Tune up your system so you know your equipment is operating at peak safety and effectiveness.

Contact Service Experts

If your gas furnace, boiler or water heater has sprung a CO leak, or you want to prevent leaks before they happen, Service Experts can help. Our HVAC maintenance and repair services help provide a safe, comfortable home all year-round. Contact