Carbon Monoxide Safety: Recognizing Warning Signs in Your Home

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of burning fuels such as gas, oil or wood. Normally, when you use appliances in your home that produce this gas it is not in high enough levels to cause damage to your health. If an appliance is malfunctioning, however, the levels of CO in your home can reach dangerous levels that can cause serious health issues or even death. There are a few warning signs to watch for to know if you have a carbon monoxide problem in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Carbon monoxide detector

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Instructions

• 1

  Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If you are knowledgeable about how to install one in your home, you can purchase one from your local hardware store to put in yourself. If not, you can contact a heating or cooling specialist to have one professionally installed in your home. This detector will sound an alarm if the carbon monoxide level in your home reaches dangerous levels.

• 2

  Contact a heating or cooling technician to examine fuel-burning appliances such as gas furnaces, water heaters, or ovens at least once a year, typically before winter comes and you will begin using these appliances more often. The technician can test for high levels of carbon monoxide and ensure that the appliances are properly vented to prevent problems later.

• 3

  Follow all of the instructions on your appliances to ensure that you are not using them improperly and allowing carbon monoxide to leak inside of your home. If you suspect that an appliance is not working properly, contact a technician as soon as possible to find out if it is releasing large amounts of carbon monoxide.

• 4

  Watch for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Despite all of the precautions you can take, it is possible for a leak to occur. Symptoms of poisoning include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, confusion, vomiting, or loss of coordination or consciousness. If you or any member of your family are experiencing these symptoms, leave the home immediately and contact a technician.