How To Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and is the byproduct of incomplete combustion. Although you cannot see it, it can make people extremely ill and even cause death. Consequently, that is why carbon monoxide (CO) is sometimes called the silent killer. Therefore, you need to be vigilant to protect yourself and your family. Using common sense and adequate ventilation indoors can prevent most carbon monoxide poisoning incidents.
How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Contents
CO Alarms
Install a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home. These work in much the same way as a smoke alarm. It will audibly beep if the sensors detect CO above a safe level. Therefore, this is a great tool to have in your home. Be sure to change out the batteries regularly.
Chimney & Fireplaces
Inspect your home for hazards. Have the chimney and flue looked at regularly. Leaves, squirrel’s nests, and bird’s nests can easily block the outlet and can cause CO to back up into your home. Be sure that creosote is cleaned from your chimney regularly as well. Consequently, creosote buildup can cause CO backup and damaging and dangerous chimney fires. Never burn charcoal inside your home, even in the fireplace. Also, watch for telltale sooty stains on walls or ceilings near heating appliances or fireplaces that let you know of a blockage.
Professionally Service Your Heater
Have a qualified professional inspect your entire heating system every fall before it is needed for winter. Not only will tune-ups help with efficiency, but they will also likely catch any problems with ventilation or leaking that might be a problem. Likewise, be sure that gas ovens or gas fireplace logs are regularly inspected for leaks and ventilation issues. Not only will tune-ups help with efficiency, but they will likely catch any leaks or ventilation issues. Keep your eyes open for yellow or orange flames where normally you would see blue ones in pilot lights and burners, etc. When it is time to replace your heating system, don’t delay. The newest systems are more efficient and safer than those from years past, and R.F. Ohl offers affordable financing solutions.
Space Heaters
Be extremely careful in the use of propane or kerosene space heaters inside your home. Proper ventilation is necessary. This extremely critical when using heat sources that are not labeled “vent-free”. With all gas accessories, keep your eyes open for yellow or orange flames where normally you would see blue ones. Pilot lights and burners should always have a blue flame.
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The early warning symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, fatigue, nausea. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for the flu. Carbon monoxide poisoning is very serious. Additionally, prolonged exposure to CO gas can cause seizures, hallucinations, visual problems, chest pain, and even problems with walking or memory. Seek immediate emergency treatment.
One of the best ways to avoid CO poisoning is to have your heating system maintained by a qualified professional. Be sure to contact R.F. Ohl. We have been in business for over 30 years and since then, we have been providing affordable, reliable, and trustworthy services. Our services include heater maintenance, heating system repair, and heater installations. Be sure to check out our fuel oil and propane delivery services as well.
We service Bath PA 18014, Bethlehem PA 18015, Durham PA 18039, Easton PA 18040, Hellertown PA 18055, Kintnersville PA 18930, Martins Creek PA 18063, Nazareth PA 18064, Riegelsville PA 18077, Springtown PA 18081, Stockertown PA 18083, and Tatamy PA 18085. We also service all of Carbon County, Monroe County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Schuylkill County.
R.F. Ohl is an authorized dealer for Bryant and Mitsubishi heating and cooling systems. An authorized dealer is an HVAC contractor who has exhibited a high standard of skills, knowledge, and professionalism in their field. It also means that when you hire R.F. Ohl to repair, maintain, or install your heater or air conditioner, you are getting a contractor that has the level of experience that you would want. Not many contractors have a designation like this, especially from two brands that are known for being so reliable and energy-efficient. These brands are the best in the heating and cooling industry. To learn more about Mitsubishi, click here. To learn about our Bryant systems, click here.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.