Carbon Monoxide Awareness for Gas Appliances: Know the Signs

As the weather gets colder, and you start depending more on your heating system, you need to be aware of the risks your furnace can pose. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal if breathed in. At Simons, we’re dedicated to your safety, so we want to help you spot the signs of a carbon monoxide leak in your home this Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month (also known as November). Read on for information that could save your life.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide shouldn’t be confused with carbon dioxide. The latter is a harmless product of combustion (or even your own breathing). Carbon monoxide, although chemically similar, can bind to red blood cells if you breathe it in, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and eventually unconsciousness and death.

How Is Carbon Monoxide Formed?

Burning fuels like oil, propane or natural gas without sufficient oxygen present results in the production of carbon monoxide. When gas appliances, such as stoves, water heaters and furnaces, aren’t working properly or have insufficient ventilation, they can release carbon monoxide into the air.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide in Your Home

Since carbon monoxide has no smell and is invisible, it’s critical to watch for the following early warning signs of a leak.

• Yellow or flickering flames, instead of the typical blue flame, in gas appliances
• Soot or scorch marks surrounding gas appliances
• Pilot light frequently going out
• Excessive condensation on the windows

Also watch for the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which are sometimes confused with the flu.

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Breathlessness

You might notice you feel worse when you’re at home, but start feeling better when you’re out of the house. If you develop any of these symptoms, you should shut off all gas appliances, leave the house immediately and seek medical attention.

 

How To Stop Leaks of Carbon Monoxide

Here’s how to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors. These should be placed on every floor of the home, particularly those with sleeping areas. To ensure sure your detectors are functioning, test them frequently.
• Make sure vents and flues are clear. Make sure there’s no snow or ice blocking the chimney or exhaust vents.
• Have your appliances inspected regularly. Verify that every gas appliance is correctly vented and in good operating condition.

 

Make a Yearly Maintenance Plan To Remain Safe

Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is one of the best strategies to prevent carbon monoxide leaks. We advise signing up for our Yearly Maintenance Plan to ensure your gas furnace is maintained to the highest standard. During our annual precision tune-up, we clean parts and make sure there’s enough ventilation, and we also carry out an additional safety check to ensure there are no carbon monoxide leaks. You can then rest easy knowing that your furnace is operating safely.

Read more about our annual maintenance plan so you can shield your family from carbon monoxide’s harmful effects.