Most homeowners are at least somewhat aware of the danger that carbon monoxide (CO) can present to your home. It’s a deadly gas that can lurk in and around your home undetected, because it’s both odorless and colorless. In small amounts it will cause strong headaches, disorientation and nausea along with other symptoms. When there is enough CO to cause CO poisoning it can be deadly, even with immediate treatment. The good news is that you can reduce your CO exposure in a few easy ways.
The Background of CO
To limit CO exposure you must first understand how it is created. CO is the result of incomplete combustion, basically the result of burning a fuel without enough oxygen available for the chemical reaction. What this means is that anything that burns fuel to operate can potentially create CO. This happens when operated in closed off environments or if an important part breaks that limits the oxygen supply.
Reducing CO Exposure in Your Home
Most cars regularly produce some CO, but it’s not a big issue because it quickly dissipates into the atmosphere. The importance of ventilation is the key takeaway here. Even if you take all precautions, CO can still be produced, but if you have sufficient ventilation you will limit your risk. Only operate heavy machinery that burns fuel outdoors in an open area.
The second part of proper use is to inspect and maintain fuel-burning equipment. This includes appliances and the various parts of your HVAC system. Certain things you can maintain on your own, but for others it is worth calling in a professional to inspect and maintain.
Even if you operate all your fuel-burning equipment in open areas and in perfect condition, CO can still enter your home from the outside. Install CO alarms throughout your home to alert you to any danger.
If you need help with HVAC maintenance or improving the safety of your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance.
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).
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