Installing a Carbon Monoxide alarm will give you peace of mind instead of having to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning in the home.
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer. It doesn’t have a scent and cannot be seen, tasted or heard. Unfortunately, it sneaks up on its victims and can take a life without any warning of exposure. About 500 people in the United States are killed by this poisonous gas each year. It just makes sense to take a proactive stand.
When choosing a carbon monoxide detector, it’s important to select one with the UL mark. UL listed Carbon Monoxide detectors meet safety standards and have an audible alarm. The presence of an audible alarm is important for quick notification especially when you and your family are sleeping.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Specifically, carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Direct sources can include malfunctioning water heaters, furnaces, ovens and stoves. If the area is not well ventilated, the amount of CO can rise quickly to dangerous levels. Other sources of carbon monoxide include charcoal grills used in the home, fuel-burning cooking appliances, vehicle exhaust and blocked chimney flues.
When carbon monoxide is inhaled, the toxic gas enters the bloodstream. Oxygen molecules found in the hemoglobin are replaced with the gas. As a result, the brain and heart are deprived of necessary oxygen to function. Mild exposure presents with flu-like symptoms, including vomiting, nausea, headache and fatigue. Medium exposure typically results in rapid heart rate, throbbing headache, mental confusion and drowsiness. Extreme exposure is much more severe and presents with loss of consciousness, convulsions, respiratory failure and death.
What to Do if Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off?
If your alarm goes off, it’s best to dial 911 or call the fire department. Open a window to allow fresh air to enter the home and move outside. Be sure that everyone in your household also is present and gets outside. Don’t reenter the home until emergency services arrive. Once they’ve assured you that the home is safe, you can go back inside again. If there is a need to trace the source of the CO leak, a qualified technician or HVAC contractor should be called to identify the source. It’s crucial that all the appropriate repairs are completed. Keep in mind never to ignore the sounding of an alarm even if you don’t feel any symptoms.
Carbon Monoxide Protection
At Accurate Comfort Services in Marco Island, we carry Carrier brand carbon monoxide alarms to keep you and your family safe. Our alarms use specific electrochemical sensors and update levels every 15 seconds. If dangerous levels exist, a loud, pulsing alarm sounds off. Be sure to contact us at Accurate Comfort Services for all of your indoor air quality needs.