This Fall, Make Sure Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are In Good Working Order

Did you know that carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly dangerous chemical, produced by the incomplete combustion of natural gas or other carbon-containing products? And those dangerous carbon-monoxide levels can be caused by a variety of items in your home. That’s why residents of northwest Arkansas should have their homes equipped with properly operating carbon monoxide detectors.

Carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, colorless gas that has the potential to be lethal, can be created by the following appliances:

• Gas water heaters, vehicles engines, charcoal grills and gas-powered standby generators
• Camp stoves, propane heaters and lanterns
• Anything that burns natural gas, propane, wood, oil, kerosene, coal or gasoline

Installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors in your home can assure you and your loved ones that you’ll receive early warning if this poisonous gas should accumulate. In addition to installing detectors, you and your family should be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Here are some valuable tips:

• Do not place detectors directly beside or above any fuel-burning appliance. A small amount of carbon monoxide may escape when this appliance turns on. Place the detector about 10 feet away.
• If possible, place a detector near bedrooms and on every level of your home. If you only install one detector, place it near the bedroom area.
• The effective life of a carbon monoxide detector is usually between two and six years. Test each detector on a regular basis. Most carbon monoxide detectors will have a test button, or you can purchase a test kit.
• Detectors are available in battery-operated models or those that are hard-wired into your home. Some also have digital read-outs for monitoring.
• For battery-operated units, make it a habit to replace the batteries in the spring and fall when you change your clocks.

Carbon monoxide detectors in your home can protect your family. Proper placement is very important, along with regular inspection and maintenance of your home’s appliances.

The experts at Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal will be happy to help you determine the best locations for carbon monoxide detectors and inspect your home to prevent possible carbon monoxide leaks.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Northwest Arkansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about carbon monoxide detectors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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