Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Keeping Your Family Safe

In our climate, homes are often closed up for long periods to make heating and cooling efficient. If you have fuel-burning appliances or equipment like a furnace, water heater, kitchen range or clothes dryer, well-functioning carbon monoxide detectors are a necessity to protect your family's well-being when your home is closed up against the weather.

How CO Detectors Help Protect Against Exposure

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete fuel combustion, and this lethal, invisible gas has no taste or odor. If inhaled, CO attaches to hemoglobin the bloodstream, which deprives the brain, organs and body cells of vital oxygen. Carbon monoxide detectors have sensors that can detect the presence of the gas and produce a loud alarm to warn you against:

• Low level exposure that causes flu-like symptoms including fatigue, nausea, headaches and dizziness.

• High concentrations of CO that can rapidly cause unconsciousness, coma, brain damage and death.

Keeping Your CO Detectors Working Properly is Key

The first step in protecting your family against accidental carbon monoxide exposure is to install detectors on each level of your home. To ensure that these essential safety devices are able to warn you when CO is present, you can't simply install them and forget them. Instead, you need to keep them working properly by:

Testing all your detectors monthly.

This usually involves pressing the test button and waiting for a high-pitched beeping sound that signals the unit is working.

Replacing the batteries in each device at least annually.

This necessary maintenance for plug-in detectors too, so the battery can keep the unit functioning during a power outage.

Replacing failing detectors as needed.

CO detectors lose their ability to sense CO gas after about five to seven years. New models give an audible warning to alert you when they need replacing.

Keeping your fuel-burning appliances and equipment well maintained.

Any combustion devices should have annual preventive maintenance that includes an inspection, cleaning and tuneup to keep them operating safely.

To schedule water heater or HVAC maintenance that can help your carbon monoxide detectors protect your Broken Arrow home, contact us at 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). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Important for Your Home Safety

A carbon monoxide detector is an extremely important device to have in your home. If you don't have one, this is the perfect time to buy one. We're going to look at the importance of this device and the tips to consider when buying one. If you already have one, we've also got you covered with maintenance tips.

Why Do You Need a Detector?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that you cannot smell, see or taste. It is a combustion byproduct, produced by common household appliances like furnaces, gas water heaters and fireplaces. Depending on the concentration level, exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, convulsions, unconsciousness and even death.A carbon monoxide detector protects you by sounding an alarm after detecting a certain amount of the gas in the air. You can then respond appropriately by turning off appliances, ventilating the area or evacuating occupants.

What Types are Available?

There are three types of detectors available: hard-wired, plug-in and battery-operated. Hard-wired detectors are wired to your household's electrical circuit and are connected to other detectors. Plug-in detectors can be plugged into any electrical outlets. Battery-operated rely on batteries to operate and are not affected by power outages. For that reason, it is advisable to include a battery backup with plug-in and hard-wired detectors.

What Tips Should You Consider When Buying a Detector?

When shopping for a new detector, make sure you do the following:

• Check the town or county regulations on alarms and placement.

• Check whether the detector is UL listed. Only purchase one that is listed.

• Check the detector's date of manufacture. This is to help you know the right time to replace it, which is after five years.

How Should You Maintain a Detector?

Perform the following maintenance tasks:

• Check your unit's battery life. Replace old batteries.

• Test your detectors to ensure they're working properly.

• Replace detectors that are five years or older.

Make sure you include maintaining your carbon monoxide detector in your fall home maintenance checklist. For more information, contact Air Assurance. We serve the Broken Arrow area.

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: “Aysezgicmeli/Shutterstock”

The Importance of Testing Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly

While installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be a requirement in any house, don't decide that's enough. Carbon monoxide detectors must be tested regularly to make sure they're still operational. 

The Danger of Carbon Monoxide

With enough exposure, this invisible, odorless gas can kill you. It can do its deadly work through gradual exposure over time or through a sudden, substantial buildup in a small, poorly ventilated room. An average of 170 Americans die each year of accidental residential CO exposure. Defective combustion heating equipment is the usual suspect, though other potential causes can occur any time of year.

Testing CO Monitors

Not all carbon monoxide detectors are the same, and different models will have different installation recommendations and testing procedures. However, most models call for monthly testing to make sure the battery is working and the device is otherwise operational. In most cases, experts suggest changing the batteries of battery-operated models every six months–perhaps when the clocks change in the early spring and late fall. Remember, too, that even models hardwired into your home's electrical system have battery backups.

The testing process for most carbon monoxide detectors is simple: Press the "test" button down two or three seconds, and when the alarm beep sounds, release the button. That's it. If you don't hear the beep, replace the batteries and test again. If you still don't hear it, take the detector back for a refund and try a different brand. The hassle isn't worth your family's health or lives.

CO Preventative Care

Carbon monoxide detectors are your safety net, but the best outcome, of course, is to avoid CO buildup in the first place. Schedule annual preventative maintenance on all combustion appliances to make sure they're burning their fuel and exhausting combustion gases such as CO efficiently and safely. Don't idle cars in the attached garage, and don't use combustion cooking devices inside the house, in a garage or next to open windows.

For more advice on carbon monoxide detectors, please contact us today at Air Assurance. We serve the greater Tulsa metro area.

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: “Grzegorz Petrykowski/Shutterstock”

What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide Safety in Your OK Home

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”

Inspect the Ducts Now and Then To Prevent Energy Loss

When northeastern Oklahoma gets mentioned, it's usually the tourist industry's “Green Country Region” label which comes to mind. While heavy industry seems a bit distant from the verdant images conjured up, airborne dust and pollution are a major cause of concern, particularly in the greater Tulsa metropolitan area, of which Broken Arrow is an integral part.Why Sealed Ducts Are ImportantIn one recent study, Tulsa County ranked as one of the “Dirtiest/Worst Counties in the U.S.” in six out of the 12 categories measured. With carbon monoxide  levels high outside, it's particularly important that our indoor air quality be kept as pristine as possible.Why Duct Inspections Are ImportantOur HVAC systems do more than simply cool and dehumidify the air circulating through our homes; they also filter the air our families breath. Ductwork is the typically-hidden system of conduits and joints, snaking through your home, that move treated air from the air conditioner – and from the furnace, during the heating season – to our living space. Aside from allowing out the conditioned air we've paid for, breaches in the ductwork can also allow contamination in, undermining the efficiency of even the best air filters.Keeping the ductwork working at its optimum is thus important to both moderating utility bills and to maintaining healthy indoor air quality.What the Homeowner Can DoThere are some things a homeowner can do to inspect the ducts:

• External Checks. When the air mover (blower) is running, look at your ducts. If you see dust or cobwebs moving, this is a sign of leakage.

• Internal Checks. Remove the registers (vents) where treated air enters your rooms, and look inside. The presence of dust or any sign of mice, bugs or mold suggests problems.

What an HVAC Pro Can DoAs noted, most ductwork is located out of view. This can make visual inspections difficult. Professional contractors have dedicated meters and machinery, and access to technical manuals specific to your installation, that make it possible to inspect the ducts remotely. Contact Air Assurance to learn more, or to schedule a free in-home consultation.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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Keep Your Home Safe -- Reduce CO Exposure

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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Use Houseplants as a Natural Air Cleaner for Your Home

One of the simplest ways to improve air quality inside your home is to use houseplants as natural air cleaner enhancers. They are especially effective when used in conjunction with a good air filter in your HVAC system. 

Plants absorb various gases through their leaves, fueling growth. Plants have also been found capable of removing various volatile organic compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde. Benzene can be found in everyday products such as some plastics, fabrics and in cigarette smoke. Formaldehyde is a common component in cosmetics and detergents.

Plants also help remove carbon monoxide from the air.

Some of the harmful compounds given off by household products have been shown to trigger problems for people who are prone to asthma or have respiratory illnesses.

Plants absorb these gases through the surface of their leaves and roots, and trap them. This helps keep your indoor air cleaner.

Studies have shown that you can use most houseplants as natural air cleaner boosters, but some seem especially more suited to removing certain gases than others. Boston ferns, English Ivy, Japanese royal ferns, aloe vera and peace lilies are just some that have been shown to be particularly effective at removing unwanted compounds from the air.

For more expert information about indoor air quality, using houseplants as natural air cleaner or other home comfort related questions, contact Air Assurance. We have been providing quality service to Broken Arrow and the greater Tulsa area for more than 30 years.

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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Why CO Monitoring Should be a Year-Round Practice

More attention is given to carbon monoxide dangers in the fall and winter because it is well known that malfunctioning furnaces can be a source of CO poisoning. However, CO monitoring should be a year-round practice, as many other home items and activities can emit carbon monoxide.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

Exposure to the gas can initially cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, confusion and nausea. Some also experience chest pain and vomiting. As you can see, these symptoms are similar to other, less serious ailments. Unfortunately, if exposure continues, the poisoning can prove fatal.

Carbon Monoxide Sources

The following are common home items or activities that can release carbon monoxide.

• Fuel-burning equipment: includes gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, propane stoves, gas grills, generators and fuel-burning portable heaters.

• Fires: includes campfires, charcoal grills and improperly vented fireplaces and woodstoves.

• Vehicles: includes boats, automobiles and motorcycles.

Reducing Your Risk of CO Poisoning

Never operate fuel-powered equipment in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area. Many believe it is safe to operate gas-powered tools in a garage, for example. This is not the case even if the door is left open. Carbon monoxide levels can still rise quickly to dangerous levels.

• Do not use fuel-powered appliances, such as propane stoves, inside tents. Tent fabric is denser than you might think – too dense to allow CO to dissipate.

• Never leave your car or any other vehicle idling in the garage. It is particularly tempting to warm up the car in the garage during cold weather. This can be a fatal mistake. Carbon monoxide levels can build up not only in the garage but also in the home, if the garage is attached. The gas easily seeps through cracks and crevices to permeate the home.

• Install CO detectors on each floor of your home. Make sure you mount them according to directions from the manufacturer and that you test them at least twice a year.

For more information about CO monitoring and other home safety and comfort issues, please contact Air Assurance. We are located in Broken Arrow and look forward to serving you.

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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Fall Furnace Inspection: Highly Recommended for Your Tulsa Home

Broken Arrow will soon see winter weather arriving in force, and if you haven't already scheduled your fall furnace inspection, now is a good time to do it. Your furnace works 24/7 throughout the winter to keep you comfortable, and over time it loses efficiency. Maintaining your furnace will lower your energy bills, increase system safety and efficiency, extend its life and help prevent common problems this winter. 

A comprehensive tune-up by a reputable company should include these key tasks:

• Lubricate the system to prevent damaging friction.

• Clean and inspect the blower assembly, heat exchanger and other essential components.

• Measure the voltage and current on the motor to ensure they meet system specifications.

• Test the burner combustion and gas pressure for safety and efficiency.

• Check for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

• Measure the flue gases to ensure they comply with system standards.

• Inspect the ventilation system for proper venting of combustion gases.

• Inspect your ductwork for obstructions and loose joints that can restrict airflow.

• Check your thermostat for accuracy and calibrate it if necessary.

• Inspect the wiring and terminals for corrosion, and apply a nonconductive coating.

Maintaining the efficiency of your system is essential for season-long comfort and savings. These tips will help you lessen the load on your furnace to keep it operating efficiently all winter long:

• Check your furnace's air filter every month. When it's caked with dust, replace it with a good-quality, pleated filter. A dirty filter restricts the air flow to your system and can cause overheating and expensive related damage.

• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades to push warm air down and throughout your rooms, keeping you comfortable at lower thermostat settings.

• Seal around doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping to keep warm air in and cold air out. The typical home loses up to 20 percent of conditioned air through leaky doors and windows.

If you would like to schedule your furnace inspection with one of our qualified technicians in the Broken Arrow area, please feel free to contact us at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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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). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock