We all want to keep our family – and our homes – safe. One potential safety hazard that homeowners need to be mindful of is carbon monoxide (CO). Odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is potentially deadly, so it’s important to know the risks.
Here’s what to know about carbon monoxide, and how to stay safe.
Can my HVAC cause a carbon monoxide leak?
We’re asked this often. The good news is that there’s no risk of a carbon monoxide leak from your air conditioner. That’s because carbon monoxide occurs when fuel is burned – and almost all of these units run on electricity.
However, your heating unit can cause a carbon monoxide leak. If you have a heater, furnace, stove or any other device in your home that burns fuel, carbon monoxide poisoning is possible. It’s important that any fuel-burning devices are properly installed and regularly maintained by a trained and licensed professional.
Identifying a carbon monoxide leak in your home
Carbon monoxide can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly. In the US, about 50,000 people visit the emergency department each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and 430 die.
The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest Pain
- Confusion
The risks are higher if you are sleeping or have been drinking alcohol. Note whether these symptoms subside when you are away from the home – if so, you might have a carbon monoxide leak.
Additional signs that there might be carbon monoxide in your home include:
- Sooty stains around gas fires, boilers, or stoves
- Smoke in rooms
- Yellow flames coming out from non-natural gas appliances
- Pilot lights extinguishing frequently
- Condensation around fuel-burning appliances
- Pets becoming ill.
If your carbon monoxide detectors go off, you suspect a leak, or you are worried someone might be affected by carbon monoxide poisoning, evacuate the building and call 911 or a medical professional.
How to protect your home and loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning
You can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by doing the following:
- Installing battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors in your home, including in bedrooms. Change batteries regularly.
- Keeping vents and flues clean. Have chimneys swept out regularly.
- Having any gas, coal, or oil burning appliances regularly serviced by a qualified technician
- Not using coal-burning stoves inside a home or tent
- Never using gasoline-powered engine inside the home, basement or garage
- Ensuring vehicles are turned off when in a garage or partially enclosed car port
- Avoiding running fuel-burning devices close to an open window or door
If your whole HVAC system runs on electricity, you’re in the clear. But if you have a fuel-burning component to your system or elsewhere in the home, it’s vital to have it regularly inspected and maintained. The same is true if you’re installing a new system – never do this without a licensed professional.
Concerned about carbon monoxide in your home? Book a call-out with the team at Shaw. We’ll inspect your system, test for leaks, and make sure that everything is running as it should be. Because the best time to catch carbon monoxide leaks is before they happen.