How Can I Reduce the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Close up of a carbon monoxide detector in a modern living room.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is known as the silent killer for a reason—it can easily go undetected and cause illness and even death. It’s critical to learn how to prevent these gas leaks in your Decatur home—as well as what the symptoms are in case you are exposed.

Skyward Home Services has all the answers to your CO questions. As a leading heating and cooling company here in Alabama, we are committed to keeping you comfortable and safe inside your home. You can trust our team to provide you the information you need to remain safe from dangers like carbon monoxide leaks.

What Is Carbon Monoxide and How Could I Be Exposed to It Inside My Home?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas. It is released when something is burned—so your boiler, furnace, water heater, car, grill, dryer, fireplace, chimney, and many other household appliances could be a source.

You may experience a carbon monoxide leak as a result of fuel failing to burn completely or even by leaving your car running for an extended period in an enclosed space like your garage.

What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Exposure prevents oxygen from reaching your tissues and organs, ultimately depriving your body of it. The higher the levels of it in the air and the longer your exposure to it, the more severe the outcome can be.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for 400 deaths, 20,000 emergency room visits, and 4,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year.

Some of the symptoms to watch out for include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Vision trouble
  • Loss of consciousness

Reducing the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Using home appliances and systems as designed, in addition to taking proper care of them by opting for routine maintenance, can help you reduce the risk of carbon monoxide forming and leaking into your home.

You can also install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. An alarm will go off and promptly inform you when this odorless gas is present, allowing you to get out of your home before further exposure and call for help.

Other ways to prevent exposure:

  • Installing, repairing, and maintaining all major appliances properly.
  • Routinely inspecting and performing safety checks on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and water heater.
  • Using generators, camping stoves, and gas or charcoal grills outside only and away from doors or windows leading to your home.
  • Never leaving your vehicle running in the garage—even if the garage door is open.
  • Never using a gas oven for heat or burning anything in your stove or fireplace without proper ventilation.

Contact Our Carbon Monoxide Detection Experts

When it comes to protecting your safety and health inside your Decatur, AL, home, our Skyward Home Services professionals are here for you. Whether you’re in need of carbon monoxide detector installation, heating and cooling services, or improving your indoor air quality (IAQ), trust in our experts. Call us today at 256-203-6223 or request-service-online.

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Skyward Heating, Air & Plumbing.

Call us at 256-203-6223!

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