As winter sets in, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning rises, making it one of the leading causes of fatal poisoning in the country. Experts emphasize the importance of taking precautions to protect your home from this invisible and odorless threat.
One of the first steps to preventing CO buildup is ensuring your heating system is in good working order. Over time, components like the heat exchanger can crack and become brittle, allowing CO to leak into your home. Ricky Jones, a service technician at A1 United Heating, recommends scheduling annual inspections to identify any potential hazards. He advises homeowners to make furnace maintenance a priority, especially if their system hasn’t been serviced in years or is over ten years old.
Ventilation problems can also contribute to CO accumulation in the home. Seasonal maintenance checks can help uncover issues with your system’s airflow. Keeping up with regular inspections can ensure that your heating system runs smoothly and safely, especially during the coldest months.
Another common issue is clogged furnace filters, which can cause the system to strain and lead to cracks in the heat exchanger. Changing your filter regularly is essential for proper airflow and system performance. Jones suggests replacing the filter every month to keep your heating system in optimal condition.
Since carbon monoxide is both odorless and colorless, it’s critical to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home. These detectors are available at most hardware stores and come in affordable options. It’s recommended to place a detector on each level of your home, mounted high on the wall. Testing the monitors every six months is important, and you should also use a compressed air duster to clear dust from the detectors to avoid false alarms.
If your carbon monoxide detector shows a reading above 3 parts per million (ppm), it’s a cause for concern. According to Jones, many homes have elevated CO levels without realizing it, with some readings as high as 22 ppm. The effects of CO exposure can begin to be felt at levels between 5-10 ppm, so having a detector that can measure lower levels is crucial for early detection.
By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home and keep your family safe throughout the winter months.
Related topics: