Are you prepared for a carbon monoxide leak? If undetected, carbon monoxide can build up inside your home until it reaches deadly levels for both animals and humans. A heating and cooling contractor will be able to detect carbon monoxide leaks while performing furnace maintenance.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, get everyone outside (including pets) and call 911. Below, you’ll find five carbon monoxide facts we think every homeowner should know.
1.) YOU CAN’T SMELL, SEE, OR TASTE CARBON MONOXIDE
If there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home, you won’t be able to tell unless there is a reaction from your carbon monoxide detector. This is why it’s also important to schedule furnace inspections so carbon monoxide leaks can be detected as soon as possible.
2.) CARBON MONOXIDE CAN BE DEADLY
Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by breathing in carbon monoxide, which blocks the body’s absorption of oxygen. If you or someone you know has carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 and seek emergency medical treatment. You should never ignore the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
Many of the symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those for the flu. If there has been a recent carbon monoxide leak in your home, do not dismiss any of these symptoms. Go to the hospital to receive medical care. In these situations, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
3.) CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CAN OCCUR DURING VARIABLE LENGTHS OF TIME
Depending on the severity of the leak, carbon monoxide poisoning can happen over a short or long period of time. This is why you need to make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are always in working order. A small leak may go undetected for a while, creating health risks for you and your family.
4.) CARBON MONOXIDE ISN’T JUST PRODUCED FROM FIRES
It’s a common misconception that carbon monoxide is only produced by fires. In reality, carbon monoxide leaks can come from many possible sources. For example, carbon monoxide can build up when fuel is burned by cars, trucks, stoves, or furnaces.
5.) HIRING A REPUTABLE HEATING AND COOLING COMPANY CAN HELP PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS
To prevent the health risks associated with undetected carbon monoxide leaks, it’s important to make sure you invest in fire safety prevention measures. Many homes already have carbon monoxide detectors installed. However, it is important to make sure these devices are tested regularly to ensure they are in working order in case of an emergency. A furnace repair company will also know how to inspect your furnace for carbon monoxide leaks.
A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping customers keep their homes safe from furnace carbon monoxide leaks. If you are interested in any of our heating and cooling services, please feel free to call our Lansing furnace repair contractors at (517) 272-8629.