What to Know about CO: A Primer on Carbon Monoxide Safety

If you live in a home with a fuel-burning appliance (a furnace, boiler or water heater, for example), then you probably know at least a little bit about the potential dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). But how much do you really know about CO?

Here are 7 CO basics that will help keep your family safe this heating season.

1. What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that is produced by burning fuel – heating oil, gasoline, coal, wood, charcoal, kerosene, propane, or natural gas.

2. Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

A buildup of CO in your home can lead to CO poisoning, which can cause illness, unconsciousness, or, in extreme cases, death.

3. What causes a buildup of CO?

A buildup of CO typically occurs due to either poor ventilation or equipment breakdown. Potential causes of CO buildup include:

• Operating an unvented appliance in a closed space for too long.
• An equipment malfunction due to improper maintenance.
• Backdrafts near the heating appliance.
• A blocked flue or vent.

4. What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

Symptoms of CO poisoning vary depending on how much exposure to the gas a person has experienced:

• Mild exposure yields flu-like symptoms – headaches, nausea, fatigue, etc.
• With moderate exposure, symptoms get more acute – severe headaches, drowsiness, confusion, and disorientation are common.
• Extreme exposure can lead to unconsciousness, convulsions, heart failure, and – in rare cases – death.

5. What should I do if I witness or experience signs of CO poisoning?

If someone in your home is symptomatic,

• Get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors, turn off fuel-burning appliances, and leave the house.
• Call your fire department or 911 and report your symptoms to your doctor.
• Service all your fuel-burning appliances before turning them back on.

 
6. What should you do if the CO alarm sounds?

If one or more of your home’s carbon monoxide alarms sound,

• Immediately move outside to fresh air.
• Call your fire department or 911.
• DO NOT reenter the premises until responders have given you permission.
• If the source of the CO buildup is a malfunctioning appliance, DO NOT use that appliance again until a professional services the equipment.

If you don’t have CO alarms installed in your home, get them TODAY – they could save your life!

7. How can I avoid CO problems in my home?

• Educate your family about the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning and what to do if they experience them.
• Perform annual routine maintenance on all fuel-burning appliances – even new equipment.
• Install CO detectors in your home – especially in bedrooms.

Your safety and comfort is always our #1 concern! If you have any questions about carbon monoxide or any other safety issues in your Pennsylvania home, contact Oehlert Bros. today – we’re always here for you!