Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer that hits close to home. If you have an attached garage or fuel-burning appliances, you are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Mitigating the risk is easy, but it takes staying alert and on top of home maintenance. Learn all about CO and CO poisoning below, and be sure to take every precaution to keep your household safe.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced through the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. So, it is a byproduct of burning common fuel sources like natural gas, gasoline, coal/charcoal, and wood.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, carbon monoxide is known as the “invisible killer” because “it is undetectable to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed.”
Symptoms and U.S. Cases
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can easily be mistaken for flu symptoms, which can make it difficult to identify before it’s too late. Headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, and chest pain are all common signs of CO poisoning.
“Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized,” according to the CDC.
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, including pets, but high-risk individuals could experience more serious symptoms sooner: “Infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO,” (cdc.gov)
How to Mitigate the Risks of CO
- Have your gas-, oil-, or coal-burning appliances (like your heating system and water heater) professionally inspected every year. If you’re looking for a heating system check-up, we offer preventative maintenance!
- Check the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector in the spring and fall.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for when to replace your CO detector. If you can’t find this information, diligently change it every five years.
- Make sure gas appliances are properly vented.
- Never leave a car or truck running in an attached garage, even if the door is open.
- Get your chimney cleaned annually.
- Never use charcoal grills, portable gas camping stoves, or generators indoors or in your garage.
- Consider adding more CO detectors throughout your home. You should have one close to every sleeping area, at a minimum.
- To keep a closer eye on carbon monoxide levels, you can purchase a CO detector with a digital read-out that can provide insight into which area in your home has the highest CO levels.
Eliminating Carbon Emissions
In addition to the risks CO poses in our homes, carbon emissions threaten the environment and contribute to ozone pollution and climate change. That’s why many states, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and companies like HomeWorks Energy are united in working towards net-zero carbon emissions in the next 15 to 25 years.
First, keep yourself and your family safe. Make sure your CO detector is working, and properly maintain your appliances and vehicles.
Then, be a part of the long-term solution. When it’s time for a new HVAC, water heater, range, or vehicle, make the switch to electric. The alternatives keep getting better and better.
Finally, if you haven’t had a no-cost Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment (HEA) recently, let’s get it scheduled! You’re already paying for this assessment through a charge on your energy bill, so take advantage of this no-cost health and safety check that will also help you save energy and money around the house.
If you’re thinking about switching to a heat pump system to help further reduce carbon emissions, an HEA would be the first step in order to gain access to Mass Save rebates and incentives.
More About HomeWorks Energy, Your Local Mass Save Contractor
Since 2008, our HomeWorks Energy Specialists have performed over 200,000 energy assessments and completed over 71,000 insulation jobs. The Mass Save Home Energy Assessments we provide are no cost to you and come with many benefits for homeowners and renters alike, which is why we want every Massachusetts resident to know about them! We also employ a highly skilled team of licensed HVAC and weatherization professionals, so we can see your project through from assessment to completed upgrade. Find out why we’re proud to be the largest Home Performance Contractor in the state by scheduling a Home Energy Assessment or Heating and Cooling Consultation today.
We’re your trusted neighborhood energy specialists, and we’re working to make our state greener, one home at a time.
