Do you sometimes forget to check your CO detector? The role of a CO detector is essential for household safety and security, so this is one spring checklist item that you’ll want to make room for. One easy way to remember to check your CO detector is by doing it during the change to Daylight Savings Time every year. If you neglected to check the detector at the latest time change, however, there’s no time like the present to go ahead and check it. Understanding the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning can show you why your detector is such an important component of your Twin Cities area household.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Because carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless and colorless, the only way to truly detect its presence is with a CO detector. However, you also should be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning to determine whether you have been affected. Many of the symptoms are similar to influenza. These include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
People exposed to CO gas can die with enough exposure either at once or over an extended period.
How to Prevent CO Poisoning
One way to prevent CO poisoning is to ensure that your gas appliances are properly installed. Your heating and cooling system should be installed by a professional if it uses natural gas, propane or fuel oil, and then maintained at least annually. The same goes for the water heater. Also, be careful not to use gas-powered grills or tools inside the house or near an open window or door.
Even the most diligent homeowner can encounter a CO leak, so investing in one or more high-quality CO detectors is essential.
Making Sure Your CO Detector Works
CO detectors are specifically designed to alert you well before the CO levels in your home reach deadly levels. They allow you to get out before you’re exposed to dangerous fumes that could cause serious health issues.
As with smoke detectors, you should check your CO detector twice each year. You’ll want to make sure that the battery is not dead and that the device functions properly.
A trained HVAC technician can help keep your home free of CO with proper HVAC installation and maintenance. Please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning to keep your family comfortable without the risk of CO poisoning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about CO detector and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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