Carbon Monoxide Safety for Tallahassee Homes This Heating Season

October in Tallahassee brings us the final stretch of hurricane season and the advent of cool, crisp autumn mornings. If you've lived here long, you've probably come to treasure these next few months. A break from the heat and humidity means more time spent outdoors, enjoying our beautiful landscape. It also means that it won't be long before we get a night or two of temperatures cold enough to switch the heat on. If your home has a gas furnace or fireplace, it's also an important time to think about carbon monoxide. 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires. More than 100,000 Americans will visit an emergency room for treatment. The good news is that it's preventable, and a few simple steps can protect you and your family all season. 

What Carbon Monoxide Is and Where It Comes From

Carbon monoxide is produced any time fuel is burned. In your home, common sources include:

• Gas or oil furnaces
• Gas water heaters
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Gas ranges
• Portable generators
• Cars running in an attached garage

When these appliances are running properly and vented correctly, carbon monoxide leaves your home safely. The problem arises when something doesn’t function as it should. A blocked vent, a damaged part on an appliance, or one that is used indoors when it’s not intended to, are all ways carbon monoxide can build up inside your home.

Warning Signs of Exposure

Because you can't see or smell carbon monoxide, symptoms are often your first warning. The CDC lists the most common symptoms as:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

It's easy to mistake these symptoms for the flu, and people often do. There are methods of discerning between the two, but they're not always what you might think. Some say that if more than one person in your home experiences symptoms at the same time, carbon monoxide could be the cause. However, people who live together are often sick at the same time. The best test is to leave the home and see if your symptoms improve. 

Another issue in detecting carbon monoxide poisoning is that it can happen while you sleep. This is why detectors are so important. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, or your CO alarm sounds, get everyone out of the house immediately and call 911. Don't go back inside until emergency responders say it's safe. 

Where to Put CO Detectors: How Furnace Maintenance Prevents Leaks

A properly working carbon monoxide detector paired with regular inspection is your best protection. Follow these guidelines from the CDC and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Install a detector near every sleeping area so it can wake you if levels rise at night.
• Put one on every level of your home.
• Choose battery-operated or battery backup models, so they keep working during a power outage.
• Test detectors monthly using the test button.
• Check the batteries when you change your clocks. Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, which makes it an easy reminder.
• Replace detectors according to the manufacturer's instructions, or every five years.

How Heating Maintenance Prevents Carbon Monoxide Problems

The CDC recommends having your gas appliances serviced yearly by a qualified technician. Most cases of Carbon Monoxide leaks aren't visible. A professional can identify internal issues like a cracked heat exchanger, a loose vent connection, or a blocked flue. 

During a heating tune-up, Parker Services technicians inspect these parts. They ensure that your system is vented properly and catch small problems before they become big ones. If your furnace hasn't been checked since last year, now is the time. (For more on timing, read our post on why fall is the sweet spot for a furnace tune-up.)

A Note on portable generators: Portable generators are one of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run one inside the home, or even the garage, even with the doors open. Keep them outside and away from windows, doors, and vents. 

Schedule Heating Maintenance With Parker Services

Your heating system should keep your family comfortable, not put them at risk. Parker Services' licensed technicians can inspect your furnace, check for venting problems, and make sure your system is ready for the season ahead.

Call us at (850) 320-7451 or schedule your heating maintenance online today.