Don't Fall Prey to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning This Winter

During the summer, most of us want to do get as much fresh air into our homes as possible. But come the winter months, it's the opposite and we try to seal them up as tightly as we can to prevent any loss of heat. While this might seem sensible, it does increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is more likely if you have older appliances that haven't been properly serviced, or if you have neglected to book that furnace service this year. It's also very easy to mistake the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning for flu. Symptoms can include suffering from a headache, feeling dizzy, nausea or vomiting, and feeling exhausted, and all of these can be attributed to other causes. This can sometimes lead to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning being misdiagnosed so the problem continues unresolved. The trouble is that carbon monoxide is completely invisible and odorless, and trying to detect a leak can be quite tricky.

Carbon Monoxide Leak Detection

It is possible to have a carbon monoxide leak detection device installed. These are designed to give out an alarm signal if they detect abnormal levels of carbon monoxide in the home. However some of these detectors are better than others, as some will let the carbon monoxide reach dangerous levels before sounding the alarm, while others are designed to go off at the slightest sign of carbon monoxide. It is best to have carbon monoxide leak detection units in each bedroom, as well as in communal areas. This is because it is quite possible to be overcome with carbon monoxide fumes during the night, and to be too sleepy to do anything about it until it is too late. These types of devices need to be properly installed as otherwise they won't be able to operate to the maximum efficiency. For instance they need to be a certain distance from fuel-burning appliances as otherwise they are likely to give false readings and will go off when there is no real cause for alarm. This could lead to complacency when there is an actual danger.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Obviously carbon monoxide leak detection measures are all a very good to have, but it's far better to minimize the risk of any leaks by making sure appliances are properly installed and operated. It really is essential to adhere to manufacturer required maintenance schedules for appliances, and to make sure everything is serviced properly and is regularly inspected. Any chimneys and flues should be checked for blockages, and appliances need to be checked to make sure there aren't any loose connections. All these types of appliances need to be serviced by properly qualified professionals.

Common Sense Hints for Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

In addition to having appliances properly serviced, there are several things you can do to minimize your chances of carbon monoxide leaks. Most of these are merely down to common sense and includes such things as making sure air can flow properly through appliances and that any flues aren't blocked. This is especially important if you are renovating your home, as it's also easy to block up chimneys and flues with debris. Any carbon monoxide detection alarms should be regularly checked to make sure they are working properly.