The Ultimate Guide To Carbon Monoxide

When fossil fuel is burned by a heating system, it produces by-products. Those by-products include carbon monoxide, moisture, and carbon dioxide, among others. Hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide are sometimes produced depending on the purity level of the hydrocarbon fuel.

Since carbon dioxide and moisture are natural elements in the air, under normal conditions they are practically harmless. However, when it is turned into carbon monoxide, renters and property owners need to be very cautious since carbon monoxide can be deadly.

Furnace Repair Brodheadsville PA: What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a compound that is comprised of one oxygen atom and one carbon atom that are bonded together. Carbon monoxide has the chemical formula CO, while carbon dioxide has the formula CO2. It is a colorless and odorless gas and has a density that is almost the same as air. When your home has a CO leak, it can freely circulate inside your house. Carbon monoxide is very deadly. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent leakage of this dangerous gas in both commercial and residential buildings.

Indoor Air Pollution: Carbon Monoxide Sources

There are a number of different carbon monoxide sources. Carbon monoxide, as well as other dangerous gases, can be produced by appliances that require a hydrocarbon to be combusted. Some of these devices including the following:

• boilers
• wood fireplaces
• furnaces
• wood pellet stoves

If your home has any of the above heating systems and you do not take the proper precautions, your entire family is at risk of being exposed to carbon monoxide.

Negative Health Effects Caused By Carbon Monoxide Exposure

The CDC reports that each year more than 400 people in the U.S. die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Every year 20,000 individuals are sent to the hospital due to being exposed to this highly dangerous gas.

A majority of those incidents happen in the winter. That is when heating equipment is working overtime to keep commercial buildings and residential houses comfortable and warm.

According to reports, the main causes of carbon monoxide are furnaces and leaking boilers. Even the slightest, unnoticeable leaks may lead to being exposed to dangerous gas levels.

CO Poisoning Symptoms: Critical Information You Must Know

When your heating system is running during the winter, watch closely for the following carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms:

• headaches
• physical weakness
• nausea
• vomiting
• chest pain
• unconsciousness
• dizziness
• confusion

If you are experiencing several of the above symptoms, immediately leave the house to get some fresh air while you trying to determine what your problem may be. This is definitely not easy since there is no way to tell if your home has carbon monoxide in it. Make sure you open doors as windows as you and your family members are leaving the house. After you are safely out of your home, call 911 to ask for assistance. When the first responders arrive at your house, they will provide pure oxygen for you to breathe, which is the only way to treat carbon monoxide poisoning.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Furnace Care And CO Detectors

Since CO is an odorless and colorless gas, the human senses are unable to detect it. Quite often, carbon monoxide detectors are needed. There are many kinds of CO alarms and detectors available in the marketplace, so you should consider installing a few around your home.

Having a healthy heating system is the best way that you can protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. In order for your heating system to be healthy, it is important to schedule maintenance every year. The best time to do this is in the fall before the major heating season starts. An experienced HVAC contractor will check for leaks in your boiler or furnace to make sure no CO is leaking into the air supply system. Any potential leaks can be repaired to ensure that your heating system works efficiently and safely all winter long. That is why it is critical to hire a skilled HVAC contractor to maintain and repair your boiler or furnace every year.

Conclusion

R.F. Ohl, a trustworthy, local HVAC company, provides heating system services including HVAC installations, repairs, replacements, and tune-ups. Our NATE certified technicians will do an outstanding job on your system.

Our friendly experts at R.F. Ohl have the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to provide you with the outstanding services that you need. When you hire us, you will receive efficient services at affordable prices.

We will ensure that your system is running efficiently, which will lower your home heating bills. Our services will also increase the comfort of your home and improve its air quality as well.

Providing our clients with excellent service is our top priority. Call R.F. Ohl today to schedule an appointment. We offer free, in-home estimates.

Some of the areas that we service include Brodheadsville, Effort, Gilbert, Saylorsburg and these zip codes 18322, 18330, 18331, 18353 as well as all surrounding areas in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.

Click here to contact us today or give R.F. Ohl a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.