According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 150 people in the United States died in 2015 from accidental, non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning. Many of these deaths are due to faulty consumer products. As the winter months approach, make sure your family is safe. There are two main ways you can ensure carbon monoxide will not harm your family. The team at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning breaks it down for you here.
Step One: Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
To ensure safety, it’s very important to install a carbon monoxide detector. CO detectors monitor carbon monoxide levels in between furnace tune-ups. These will alert you if any carbon monoxide leaks into your living space due to a cracked heat exchanger, for example. Because homes are more airtight than they were in the past, a carbon monoxide leak could spell disaster for you and your family. Even very low levels can cause headaches, nausea, and other symptoms.
Step Two: Get an Annual Furnace Tune-up
A yearly professional furnace tune-up is the best line of defense against carbon monoxide poisoning. One of our professional technicians will check every part of your furnace to make sure it’s in good working condition and safe to use. They will not only detect any CO leaks, but they will also fix minor issues that could cost you in heating bills during the winter.
Related Read: Furnace Troubleshooting Tips
Other Sources of Carbon Monoxide in Your Home
While it is the most common, your furnace is not the only source of carbon monoxide in your home, which is why it’s so important to install a carbon monoxide detector even if you have regular furnace tune-ups. Here are some other items that can release deadly carbon monoxide gas into your home:
- Furnaces
- Boilers
- Gas Stoves/Ovens
- Fireplaces (gas and wood burning)
- Water Heaters
- Dryers
- Wood Stoves
- Generators
- Running Vehicles
With a carbon monoxide detector, you’ll never worry about the deadly gas again. An alarm will sound if there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home, alerting you to the problem before you experience symptoms or dangerous living conditions. Rest easy knowing that you and your loved ones won’t experience pain or loss from this silent killer.
Related Read: 5 Common Winter Heating Problems
If you haven’t had your furnace tuned up this year, don’t wait! Give the team of experts at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning a call at (402) 554-1110 or contact us online to schedule a tune-up today!