Making sure your home does not have carbon monoxide is important for you and your family. It is a colorless gas that you cannot smell. The carbon monoxide can come from several sources, so it is important to be aware when it might start to collect in your home. Preventing carbon monoxide is the first step in protecting you and your family. You should also invest in at least one carbon monoxide detector that will alert you if the level of carbon monoxide becomes an issue. Some carbon monoxide detectors will alert you no matter what the level of carbon monoxide is.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a gas that you cannot see or smell. Carbon monoxide is produced when a fuel like gas, oil, kerosene, or charcoal is burned. The amount of carbon monoxide depends on the quality or efficiency of combustion. A burner that functions properly has an efficient combustion. This will then result in producing very little carbon monoxide. An out of adjustment burner may produce amounts of carbon monoxide that can be serious and life threatening depending on the amount.
Common sources of Carbon Monoxide
Any accumulation of gases can occur if a chimney is blocked or a rusted heat exchanger prevents the combustion gases from being released from the home. Carbon monoxide can also enter the home from an idling vehicle, lawnmower, or generator that is operation in the garage. Other common sources of carbon monoxide can include unvented, fuel burning space heaters. When operating unvented combustion appliances, make sure to follow safe practices. Make sure the burner is properly adjusted and there is good ventilation. Also never use these items in a closed room, keep a window open for fresh air. It is also important to never operate unvented gas burning appliances in a closed room or in a room that you are sleeping in.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide
At the beginning of every heating season, make sure to have all the fuel burning appliances inspected to make sure they are in proper working order. Also check that the connections and venting systems are in good condition and not blocked. When possible, make sure to choose appliances that vent fumes outside the home. Also make sure to have them properly installed and maintained according to the manufacture’s instructions. If you are using the appliance in a closed room, make sure to open a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel burning. Also make sure to never idle your vehicle in the garage, as fumes can make their way into the home. If you have to run the vehicle in the garage, open the garage door so air can come in. It is also important to never use a gas oven to heat your home, even if it is for a short amount of time. For your safety, and the safety of others in your home, never have an unvented gas or kerosene space heater in a bedroom.
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