January may be the fresh start to the new year and a time to enjoy snow days and hot cocoa. But it’s also, unfortunately, the deadliest month for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous gases that can accumulate in a home, causing as many as 430 deaths a year. Because it is colorless and odorless, it can kill you before you know what’s happening.
Follow these tips
Your clean air experts at C & C Heating & Air Conditioning want our Detroit-area customers and neighbors to stay safe this winter. Following these tips could literally save your life:
- Get and maintain carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide can only be detected with an alarm. If you don’t have one, you can either purchase one from your favorite home improvement or hardware store. Or you can call your local fire department. Once it’s installed, it should be tested every time you test your fire alarms – about twice a year.
- Make sure the detectors are placed correctly. You should place a detector on every floor of your home in places where everyone can hear the alarm. They should be mounted on the ceiling away from drafty areas and areas with high humidity levels, such as the bathroom.
- Stop leaks in your heating units and appliances. Anything that burns natural gas, oil, charcoal, propane or wood should be checked regularly for leaks. Have heating systems, fireplaces, ovens and generators regularly maintained to ensure they are not leaking this dangerous gas.
- Reduce your exposure. The best way to protect your family from carbon monoxide is to limit your exposure to it in the first place. Never stand in a closed garage while your car or gas-powered lawn equipment is idling. And don’t rely on items like a gas oven or clothes dryer to heat your home.
- Know the signs. If you or any member of your family is suffering from unexplained headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion or chest pain, leave the house immediately and call 911. Get the victim to safety while you wait on emergency service personnel.
Homeowners should talk to their families about how to respond should the CO or fire alarms sound. Conduct drills so that everyone knows how to get to safety.
Regular maintenance
If you have not had your furnace, boiler or HVAC system tuned up in some time, you should schedule an appointment. Regular yearly maintenance ensures your system works efficiently. It can also keep it from breaking down on very cold days and your technician can stop the leaks that can cause carbon monoxide from seeping into your home.
C & C has been servicing heating and air conditioning systems in the greater Detroit area for more than six decades. If we can help you maintain or repair your HVAC system or even install a new system, give us a call at (586) 439-3319 to schedule an appointment.