Often called the ‘silent killer’, carbon monoxide is a toxic and flammable gas that has no color or odor, making it impossible to detect on your own. Carbon monoxide is a serious threat to you and your family, which is why every homeowner should take steps to prevent carbon monoxide in their homes. Here’s what you need to know about carbon monoxide, how it can hurt you, how it gets into your home, and how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning before it happens.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Treatment
Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when you inhale CO, which makes it harder for your blood to effectively transport oxygen. The lack of oxygen in your body is what causes the poisoning sensation, and a person with carbon monoxide poisoning should be treated as soon as possible.
Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, disorientation, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, seizures, and respiratory problems.
Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning usually involves raising your blood-oxygen levels with supplemental oxygen.
How Does Carbon Monoxide Leak into Your Home?
Boilers, heating systems, and even fireplaces can leak carbon monoxide if they get damaged or don’t seal properly.
Carbon monoxide can also form if you leave your car running in a closed space, like your garage, for too long. Always make sure you have your garage door open before you start your car and don’t sit in a closed garage with your car running, ever.
Heating your home with your oven might seem like a cheaper way to stay warm, but running your oven for too long can cause CO to build up in your air. Stick to running your heating system instead, and make sure you’re up-to-date on your HVAC inspections and maintenance.
Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide in your home.
Be sure to inspect and clean your fireplace on a regular basis. Fireplace maintenance is different depending on the kind of fireplace you own, but keeping yours clean and free of buildup will go a long way in preventing carbon monoxide leaks.
Proper airflow is important, so make sure you don’t close any vents in your home. Your HVAC system ventilates your home and makes it more difficult for carbon monoxide to hurt you, so don’t make it less effective by closing vents.
Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home if you haven’t already, and change the batteries twice a year.
Be cautious when using space heaters, especially fuel-burning space heaters, and only use them in well-ventilated areas on a nonflammable surface.
Quality HVAC Services With Ellis AC
Ellis AC offers top-notch HVAC maintenance, repairs, and replacements at prices you can afford. Our team of experienced HVAC professionals are always happy to help you get the most out of your HVAC system. Regular HVAC maintenance is a great way to catch problems early on and make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible. For more information or a free quote on our services, call or visit our website today!