Heating season is the time of year we hear the most about carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas, which is why it is known as the “silent killer.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 400 people in the United States die each year from accidental CO poisoning that is not linked to fires. Many of those deaths are preventable when you know what to look for. We have helped save lives here at Envirotech Heating & Cooling by teaching customers the symptoms.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, nausea and fatigue. They are often mistaken for the flu because the gas itself goes undetected in a home.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide in a Home?
Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel. Your furnace can be a source, but it is not the only one. Anything that burns fuel can produce dangerous CO, including a vehicle, stove, water heater, snow blower or generator. Common causes of poisoning include:
- Letting a vehicle run or warm up in the garage, even with the door open
- Burning charcoal inside the house, even in the fireplace
- Running a gasoline-powered generator in a confined area such as a garage or basement
- Working on a gas-powered tool, like a snow blower or lawn mower, in a confined area
- A furnace problem, such as a cracked heat exchanger
- A blocked exhaust vent (see below)
Keep Your PVC Exhaust Vents Clear
Many gas furnaces and water heaters use PVC pipes on the outside of the house to safely expel the gases produced during operation. When snow, ice or debris blocks those vents, several things can happen:
- Carbon monoxide risk. CO can back up into your home instead of venting outside.
- System shutdowns. Safety mechanisms may shut the furnace down when they detect improper venting.
- Wasted energy. A struggling system uses more energy and wears out faster.
Check your outdoor exhaust vents after every heavy snowfall or ice storm and clear away anything blocking them.
How to Protect Your Family
- Install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home. Detectors are generally good for about five years and then need to be replaced, so check the date on yours.
- Test detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.
- Have your heating system cleaned and tested every year by a qualified technician. During a maintenance visit, Envirotech inspects the furnace for CO-producing problems such as a cracked heat exchanger, checks the exhaust vents for blockages and tests for carbon monoxide in your home.
- Replace or clean air filters regularly to keep airflow steady and reduce strain on the system.
What to Do If Your CO Detector Goes Off
If your carbon monoxide detector alarms, evacuate the house immediately and contact the fire department.
For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning, symptoms and prevention, visit www.epa.gov. To have your furnace inspected and tested, schedule a maintenance visit with Envirotech.