The cold weather is rolling in and that means furnaces all across the county will be kicking on. With houses being tightly sealed, this can lead to the accumulation of carbon monoxide inside your home. If your furnace vent is working properly, you don’t have anything to worry about. But if there is an issue with the venting or if your furnace isn’t burning properly, carbon monoxide can quickly build up to dangerous – even deadly – levels.
Carbon monoxide is created when the furnace fuel is not completely burned. That means fuel oils, natural gas, coal, wood, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel and charcoal can all be potential contributors to carbon monoxide. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up around furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and also around gas water heaters, generators and in the garage if you are running an automobile.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide is the number one cause of accidental poisoning in the United States. 1,500 people die from it every year and over 10,000 more are treated for symptoms at hospitals. Most of this is because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic those of common ailments like the flu.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
- Dull headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
If you think you or your family are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The best way to protect your family from this type of poisoning is to install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. If you cannot afford to put one on every level, place one in your sleeping area so it will wake you if there is a build-up while you are sleeping.
In addition to getting carbon monoxide detectors for your home, having a yearly furnace check and tune up is highly recommended. We will check your furnace for carbon monoxide off-gasing as well as for problems in your plenum and heat exchanger units. We’ll also check gas burning appliances like your water heater and dryer to make sure there are no leaks their either. If you have any questions about carbon monoxide, or need your furnace checked call My Plumber CA at (619) 447-5556 today.
