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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. It can also be deadly. Because carbon monoxide is virtually undetectable, you have to be especially diligent in protecting you and your loved ones from this dangerous gas. At Entek, we want to keep your family heated and cooled comfortably, but we also want to keep you safe. That’s why there are several things, in particular, that you should know when it comes to carbon monoxide from your furnace.
Let’s begin with a little background info about how carbon monoxide functions in your furnace. Carbon monoxide, or CO as it’s also known, is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, such as oil and gas. Typically, it travels through your furnace’s flue pipe and is safely vented to the outside of your home. However, problems can occur if the furnace becomes overheated or malfunctions. That’s why it’s important to know how to protect your family from CO poisoning. Here are seven facts you’ll want to familiarize yourself with when it comes to carbon monoxide and your furnace.
1. It’s Known as the Silent Killer
One of the things that makes CO so dangerous is that it’s difficult to know whether it’s present in your home. Our sensory organs typically alert us to when something doesn’t smell quite right, but that’s not the case when it comes to odorless carbon monoxide. Its lack of identifiable characteristics has even earned it the name the “Silent Killer.”
There’s another reason for that moniker. Every year, about 50,000 people visit the hospital emergency room because of accidental CO poisoning. More than 400 of those cases, on average, are fatal. We say this not to alarm you but to keep you informed so that you can take the proper precautions to protect you and your family.
2. Risk Is Highest During Winter
When temperatures drop during the wintertime, people tend to rely more heavily on heat sources. This puts you at risk for CO poisoning because carbon monoxide is present in fumes generated by many heat sources, such as furnaces, kerosene heaters, stoves, lanterns, portable generators, and more.
In order to minimize your risk, keep vents and flues free of debris, which can block ventilation lines. Also, remember to avoid running cars or generators in enclosed spaces, such as a garage or basement. If using a generator, pressure washer, or gasoline-powered engine, make sure it’s not located in an enclosed space, even if the doors and windows are open. Be on high alert during the winter months and check your furnace and other heating sources frequently to ensure they’re venting properly.
3. Carbon Monoxide from Furnace Can Mix with Other Gases
CO can sometimes mix with other gases. This is important because while you won’t be able to smell CO itself, you could potentially detect the odor of gas that the CO is mixing with. This should alert you to the potential presence of CO in your home. If something isn’t smelling quite right to you, evacuate immediately and contact a professional to have the issue addressed right away.
4. CO Can Be Detected
What if CO isn’t mixing with other gases? Since it doesn’t have an odor of its own, can it still be detected? Yes, with a little help. CO detectors are a great way to know if CO is lurking in your home. Just as a smoke alarm can alert you to smoke in your home, a CO detector can sound the alarm if CO is present.
It’s a good idea to change the batteries in your CO detector every six months. Usually, a good rule of thumb is once in the spring and once in the fall, when you change the time on your clocks. If your detector alerts you to the presence of CO in your home, be sure to leave immediately and call 911.
5. CO Can Be Prevented
While the risk of CO poisoning is quite serious, it’s also entirely preventable. One way to minimize your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from your furnace is through preventative maintenance. You should have your heating system serviced by a professional at least once a year. Your technician can check to make sure your system is operating smoothly and troubleshoot any issues you’re having. Preventative maintenance can go a long way in extending the life span of your furnace, but even more importantly, it can also go a long way in protecting the lives of you and your family.
6. CO Can Be Reversed
Though CO can be fatal, it’s possible to reverse the effects of CO poisoning when caught quickly. But it’s important to be prepared. Just as you would practice a fire drill, make sure your family knows the best exit route to take if your CO detector sounds the alarm. Also, be prepared with critical information to help emergency personnel should you require medical treatment. That information could include possible sources of CO exposure, your signs and symptoms, as well as when they started, and any other medical conditions you or your affected family members have.
7. Common Symptoms of CO
It’s important not to overlook the common symptoms of CO poisoning. Dizziness, nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, weakness, and/or confusion are all signs of possible CO poisoning. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Recognizing the signs of CO poisoning will help you respond faster so that you can get the help you need. All of the above-listed symptoms are warning signs that you may have been exposed to CO.
While CO is dangerous, it is highly detectable and preventable. Taking the measures we’ve discussed will help you minimize your risk of CO exposure. The best thing you can do to prevent CO poisoning is to be prepared. Install a detector, have a plan in place, and know the warning signs. This will go a long way in keeping you and your family safe.
