As we get closer to the holiday season, more people in the Detroit area begin to turn on their heat to warm their homes.
If not used properly, those heating systems can lead to possible exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), which is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause illness and even death. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea and loss of consciousness.
But did you know that most people are exposed to CO in their homes because of a faulty heating unit or gas cooking equipment?
Since November is the month that most of the country starts cranking up the heat, it has been recognized as National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month.
The Invisible Killer
Because it is odorless and often goes undetected, it is called the invisible killer. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 400 people die from unintentional CO poisoning each year. Another 14,000 are hospitalized from exposure to the deadly gas.
Most people are exposed to gas from faulty heating units, stoves, grills, and small engines running in enclosed spaces. This can include portable generators.
As the weather turns colder, homeowners should take precautions to prevent exposure.
Tips to Stay Safe
The CDC recommends that all homeowners install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in the hallway near each sleeping area in the home. Check or replace batteries twice a year when you check your fire alarm batteries.
Other tips include:
- Maintain your heating unit: Have your furnace or any other gas- or coal-burning equipment serviced annually. A qualified HVAC technician can determine if CO is leaking and make recommendations on how to fix the problem.
- Maintain your gas water heater: Just like your home’s HVAC system, water heaters need yearly maintenance, too. A qualified technician can identify issues that might cause CO leaks and make repairs to prevent or correct these problems.
- Do not use gas generators inside the home: While handy to keep the power on when winter storms knock out municipal electricity, make sure portable gas units remain outside the home. You can also invest in a stationary and professionally installed whole-home generator.
- Don’t use a gas oven to heat your home: If your home’s main source of heat is damaged, invest in temporary space heaters that have a tip-over switch and that automatically turns off when the room is heated or after a certain amount of time. Do not heat your home with appliances that were not intended for that purpose.
- Have chimneys and fireplaces maintained: Have chimneys swept annually and make sure fireplace dampers are open before lighting a fire.
The Detroit heating experts at C & C Heating & Air Conditioning want you to stay warm safely this holiday season. If you need to discuss heating solutions, call us at (586) 439-3319 or contact us online.
