Carbon monoxide safety is a topic on which every Oklahoma home-owner should have knowledge. Learning about carbon monoxide safety can protect your home and keep you and your family safe. Carbon monoxide is almost impossible for a person to detect, as it has no color, taste or odor. It is a silent killer that, when inhaled in large quantities, causes illness and death. Symptoms resemble the flu and exposure at low levels include nausea, vertigo, headaches, and confusion. Because these symptoms mimic other problems, exposure often goes unnoticed until it is too late. When this occurs and exposure to the gas is more extensive, these symptoms are more severe and can lead to death. Young children, people with existing respiratory problems, and people with heart disease are more sensitive to the gas and are in more danger from exposure.Produced by heat-producing reactions, carbon monoxide is a by-product of water heaters, heating systems, and small engines. Keeping up with your scheduled HVAC system maintenance can prevent problems that may cause the release of carbon monoxide into your home. When using a small engine like a generator or power-washer, you should be sure to only run the equipment outdoors. They release the gas directly into the air, putting your home at risk if you run them indoors. You should also be sure to never leave your car engine running in the garage, as this can also create a problem. If you own a fireplace, you should only use it when the smoke vents to the outdoors.Although taking certain actions can prevent the likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure, you should still have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home. Detectors have sensitive sensors that alert you of the gas before you begin to develop symptoms.For all of your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs, you can contact us at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing. We offer excellent service with convenience to clients in Broken Arrow and surrounding areas.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “www.3drenderedlogos-com/Shutterstock”