The winter season is upon us and as we all begin to turn on the heaters in our homes, we should all be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and what you can to do keep your family safe. We go into a lot of homes as a part of our installation service and we are surprised by how many families lack a simple safety feature like a carbon monoxide detector. This is an essential tool in keeping your family safe.

About Carbon Monoxide

What is it?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

Where is it found?

Carbon monoxide is found in many places all around us. Vehicle exahust, small gasoline engines like those found in portable generators, gas stoves, burning charcoal and wood, gas ranges and heating systems, just to name a few. Carbon monoxide is found in combustion flames and is frequently overlooked as a danger.

What Can I do about it?

• Most importantly, install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Install a detector near bedrooms for the best early warning while sleeping.
• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) indoors. Although these heaters don't have a flame, they burn gas and can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
• If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator's cooling unit have an expert service it. An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could also be giving off CO.
• When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters' Laboratories.

Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home is the single most important thing you can do to protect your family at home. See the carbon monoxide fact sheet at the Center For Disease Control and Prevention website for more on what you can do, symptoms, and how it attacks your body. Be sure to check out their main Carbon Monoxide Poisoning site for a wealth of detailed information regarding the subject.