Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-irritating gas found in your home. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of organic fuels. If you burn wood, charcoal, propane, tobacco, gasoline or natural gas, you produce carbon monoxide. Too much production and improper ventilation can cause a serious danger to you and your family. Carbon Monoxide is readily ingested into a person’s bloodstream. The ingestion creates a stable compound with the hemoglobin within the blood. This is known as carboxyhemoglobin. Carboxyhemoglobin prevents the blood from absorbing oxygen, which, in turn, deprives the body of an adequate supply of oxygen.

Normal Combustion of natural gas, or any fuel, creates combustion byproducts that consist of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor. It requires a proper mixture of gas and air. Fuel-burning appliances that are poorly maintained, improperly installed or not vented properly can cause a build up of CO. If the air portion of the mix is limited due to poor ventilation the portion of the unburned fuel ends up in your home as Carbon Monoxide. Too much CO in your home can cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and may lead to sleepiness, headaches, blurred vision, nausea and even death. If you experience any of these signs and suspect CO is the cause, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical help.

In the past a typical house had sufficient ventilation to allow an average of 1.5 to 2 air changes per hour. This has eroded to 1 change and now as low as 1/2 change of air per hour. As the ventilation has decreased, the cost of electricity or gas to cool or heat a house has gone down because of the decrease in the loss of heat or air conditioning. This has resulted in the increase in incidents that result in the production of carbon monoxide.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide and How to Prevent CO

Reliant/Entex suggests that you need to watch for signs of Carbon Monoxide by looking at the fuel burning appliances in your home. If the appliance is not receiving enough fresh air for combustion it may lead to high indoor humidity, heavy condensation on walls and windows, and stuffy or stale indoor air. Watch your pets and children for the warning symptoms listed above. If you suspect CO in your home have the problem checked and corrected.

A CO Detector is a good idea but make sure it is listed to the national standards for residential use. UL2034 and IAS No. 6-96 will be with the product information and should be printed on the box. Choose a detector with an audible alarm and a digital display. Remember a detector is only a tool. Do not ignore the warning signs.

To avoid build up you should:

Have all fuel-burning appliances and equipment properly installed, maintained and vented to the outdoors.
Be sure to clear the chimney of debris
Never use a gas appliance such as an oven or dryer to warm a room
Never leave a vehicle operating in an enclosed area including the garage, even if the door is up
Never use a gas or propane heater inside a tent
Check for condensation and soot around appliances
Look at the flame of gas appliances, they should burn blue not yellow or orange

Carbon Monoxide is a Silent Killer.
Know the facts and be aware because not knowing can kill you.