Key Takeaways
- Neglecting potential heating issues until they get too serious is a recipe for disaster.
- Homeowners should take carbon monoxide safety seriously.
- Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can spread and suffocate the people in the area.
- You need to know specific heating and cooling tips to keep the carbon monoxide threat at bay.
- Expert plumbers can ensure heating devices at home are fireproof, and you’re free of a potential heating threat.
The thought of snuggling up against a heater with a book is very soothing, but the reality is that heaters can be pretty dangerous. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat to any heating device that burns fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, or wood. Each year, hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States alone.
This blog post discusses the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to keep safe from it.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is produced whenever we burn any fuel. While it’s not harmful in small amounts, it can be deadly if it builds up in an enclosed space. That’s why it’s so important to have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
How Does Carbon Monoxide Get into Homes?
There are lots of ways that carbon monoxide can sneak into your home. One of the most common is exhaust fumes from cars, generators, and stoves. If an opening in your home leads outside—like a window or door—those fumes can come inside and start to build up. That’s why it’s essential to ensure any vents or chimneys are clear before using them; otherwise, the gas could get trapped and accumulate.
Another way carbon monoxide can enter your home is through cracks or holes in walls or floors. If your area is undergoing major construction projects or is prone to extensive traffic, those tiny gaps can let in enough fumes to cause problems. That’s why plumbing experts consider it essential to seal any cracks as soon as they find them; the sooner you block them off, the less likely they cause trouble.
Finally, carbon monoxide can be produced by furnaces, water heaters, and dryers when they’re not working correctly. That’s why it’s so important to have these appliances serviced regularly. And if you ever smell anything strange coming from one of these appliances, don’t hesitate to call a maintenance specialist—it could save your life!
Also, Read – The Difference Between Common Central Heating Systems.
How to Safely Heat Your Home This Winter: Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Here are some simple guidelines to ensure carbon monoxide safety when heating and cooling your place.
- Avoid using generators indoors: If you lose power during a winter storm, you may be tempted to bring a generator to keep your home warm. But this is a dangerous idea. Generators produce carbon monoxide gas, which can cause serious health problems if it builds up in your home. If you lose power, use battery-operated lanterns or flashlights instead of a generator.
- Use kitchen vents anytime you’re using the stove: Another common source of carbon monoxide is your kitchen stove. Whenever you’re cooking, make sure to turn on the vent above your stove to help fumes escape.
- Clean out fireplace chimney: If you have a fireplace, clean the chimney before you start using it for the season. A build-up of soot and debris can cause carbon monoxide to back into your home. Once a year is usually sufficient, but if it’s been a while since it was last cleaned, you may want to do it more often.
- Inspect Fuel Buring Devices – Before using any fuel-burning devices in your home this winter (including your furnace, wood-burning stove, or space heater), have them inspected by a qualified technician to make sure they’re operating correctly. A malfunctioning fuel-burning device can release carbon monoxide into your home, so it’s essential to ensure everything is in good working order before firing them up for the season.
- Install and Test Carbon Monoxide Alarms – You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but luckily some alarms can detect it. Be sure to install at least one carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home, and test them monthly to ensure they’re working correctly. You might also want to consider investing in a battery-operated backup in case of a power outage.
Getting a professional to sort out your winter heating problems can help you avoid a heating emergency and ensure complete carbon monoxide safety this winter. They’re your first defense in ensuring proper carbon monoxide safety.
Plumbers are Trained in Heating and Cooling
First of all, plumbers are trained in all things heating and cooling. That’s right – your local plumber is just as qualified (if not more so) to look at your heater as any other professional. After all, they’ve been dealing with hot water for years, so they know something about keeping things warm. Plus, they have all the right tools to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
They Know About Carbon Monoxide Safety
When it comes to winter fires, one of the biggest dangers is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up in enclosed spaces and cause serious health problems – or even death. Plumbers know all about carbon monoxide safety, so they’ll be able to quickly identify any potential hazards and take steps to prevent them.
They Can Help Avoid Winter Heating Problems
Another reason to trust a plumber with your winter fire safety is that they can help avoid winter heating problems altogether. Plumbers are experts at troubleshooting and repairing all sorts of issues, so they’ll be able to fix anything wrong with your heater before it can cause any problems. And if you’re lucky, they may even be able to give you tips on keeping your heater running all winter smoothly.
Take preventative measures to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and other heating hazards. Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers free estimates to get your Hudson home in tip-top shape before the cold sets in. Give us a call today!
