Carbon monoxide is one of the deadliest gasses found at home. It is colorless and odorless, making it extremely difficult to detect. If there is accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home, you may suffer carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly.
Since the gas is difficult to detect, you will simply feel dizzy and pass out. If prompt action is not taken, you may never wake up. That is why it is important to have carbon monoxide detectors in every home to warn the occupants about an impending CO hazard. Unfortunately, warning alone will not help; knowing what to do when you are exposed to CO is also crucial.
Sources Of Carbon Monoxide Gas
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Carbon monoxide is a product of combustion. When a hydrocarbon fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, wood, charcoal, coal or heating oil, is burned, it produces some carbon monoxide as a product of combustion. If the heating equipment is properly serviced, the amount of CO produced will be negligible. If not, a lot of CO may be produced. This will lead to accumulation of CO inside the house and possibly cause CO poisoning. Thousands of people around the country die every year due to CO exposure both at home and inside their vehicles. Safety precautions and proper training on what to do in case of CO exposure can help you protect your family from this deadly gas.
Symptoms Of CO Poisoning
When there is a buildup of CO in your home, members of your family may start feeling dizzy and experience headaches. They may also feel nauseated, mentally confused and even faint. Shortness of breath is also a common symptom of CO exposure, though at low levels. Long term exposure can lead to death.
What To Do In Case Of CO Poisoning
If you or any member of your family experiences these symptoms, the first thing you should do is take everyone out of the house and open every window and door. Be sure to also turn off all heating appliances in the house to stop further accumulation of CO gas. Next, take the entire family to the nearest emergency room for a health check and keep windows open while driving. Remember to inform the physician that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. A blood test will confirm or dispute this diagnosis. If confirmed, the doctor will put everyone on oxygen for several hours. Before returning to the house, be sure to call a reputable heating company to inspect and service your heater to prevent the problem from recurring.
How to Protect Your Family From CO Poisoning
Keep Combustion Appliances Away From Your Family:
The best way to protect your family from CO gas is to keep combustion appliances out of the house. Never use a charcoal grill in the house or the garage. Portable back-up generators should also be used outdoors.
Install CO Detectors:
It is important you install a battery-powered CO sensor and alarm to warn you of this hazard. This will ensure that your home is safe even when there is a power outage.
Have Combustion Appliances Serviced Regularly:
You should hire a competent HVAC contractor to service your furnace, or heater, and chimney on a regular basis to ensure complete combustion of the fuel take place. This will significantly reduce the amount of CO produced. Furthermore, it will ensure that no CO finds its way into living spaces.
Heater Maintenance Cranbury NJ
All of the methods listed above are great ways to prevent a CO leak in your home. However, one of the best methods to prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into your home is by maintaining your heater. Be sure to contact Princeton Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a heating system tune-up. Our HVAC specialists are Nate-certified which means that they have the highest certifications available in the HVAC industry. They have the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to understand what it takes to make your heating system run at peak performance. We are among the few providers in NJ to hold a Carrier Presidents Award Dealer distinction. Does your system use heating oil? Check out our reliable and trusted heating oil delivery services.
We service Cranbury NJ 08512, Dayton NJ 08810, Helmetta NJ 08828, Hightstown NJ 08520, Monmouth Junction NJ 08852, Monroe Township NJ 08831, Plainsboro NJ 08536, Princeton Junction NJ 08550, Windsor NJ 08561, and surrounding areas!
Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!