Why You Should Get a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Home
A carbon monoxide (CO) detector is an essential addition to one’s home. CO is a silent killer, an odorless, colorless gas that is, nonetheless, deadly to humans and animals. Fortunately, it’s easily detectable using an inexpensive CO detector.
If you aren’t convinced, read on and check out some of the key reasons why it’s crucial to equip your home with a carbon monoxide detector.
The dangers of carbon monoxide
Many people may not know it, but every year approximately 400 people are killed by CO poisoning each year. In most cases, the gas can overtake homeowners in their sleep. This sad event can happen due to a faulty fuel space heater or keeping oneself warm using the kitchen stove. CO exposure can kill a person in a matter of minutes.
Various household appliances can malfunction and emit CO gas. Add the fact that many modern homes are thoroughly insulated to maintain energy efficiency. The chances and speed of possible CO buildup are even more significant than they used to be.
Why does it kill?
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas because of what it does to the oxygen inside our bodies. Once inhaled, it displaces the oxygen inside the victim’s body, depriving their vital organs of oxygen, causing organ failure.
In addition to being odorless, the gas is also completely invisible. The only protection against carbon monoxide leaks in a home is the CO detector.
Common CO sources
As we mentioned earlier, various appliances can cause carbon monoxide leaks. Here are some of them:
Wood- or gas-burning fireplaces
Kitchen oven or stove
Running vehicles inside closed garages
Heated stoves
Gasoline lawnmowers
Boilers
Generators
Kerosene lanterns
Storage heaters
BBQ grills
Furnaces
Air conditioning and heating systems
At least some of these appliances may come as a surprise on the list of the devices with CO leakage potential. This fact should incentivize anyone to get a CO detector, which is usually relatively cheap.
Preventing the CO danger
First and foremost, as we mentioned multiple times already, getting a CO detector is the first step towards CO safety inside a home. Secondly, it’s essential to install CO detectors in proper locations, even using multiple ones where necessary. A heating and cooling expert should be able to help homeowners in this department.
CO detectors, like any other device type, are prone to breaking. To ensure that your CO detector is operating normally, have it tested every year.
Even if a CO detector works perfectly, make sure that you replace it once its expiration date passes.
Finally, check the appliances inside the home. Each one that has CO leakage potential should be thoroughly analyzed and inspected by a professional.
The importance of CO detectors
Having one or more CO detectors in your home is vital. They are true lifesavers. To be safe, make sure professionals install them.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial air conditioning and heating company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at (210)794-9895.
