Carbon monoxide poisoning is a threat for every Wichita homeowner. This tasteless, odorless and colorless gas is a byproduct of the incomplete burning of various fuels. Home appliances that can produce carbon monoxide include: gas water heaters, oil or gas furnaces, gas or propane barbeques, portable generators, gas space heaters, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. 

This gas is deadly in high amounts, with an average of 170 people in the United States dying each year from carbon monoxide poisoning produced by non-automotive consumer products. However, there are steps you can take for minimizing carbon monoxide exposure and keeping your home and family safe.

Minimizing Carbon Monoxide Exposure

  • Ensure that all home appliances are installed and operated according to manufacturer instructions and recommendations. Most major appliances, like HVAC equipment, should be installed by experienced and qualified professionals.
  • Have your heating system inspected and serviced annually by an HVAC technician to ensure everything is operating correctly and efficiently. This inspection should include a check of chimneys and flues for any blockages, corrosion and disconnections.
  • Do not service any fuel-burning equipment or appliance without the right knowledge, tools and skills. For even minor adjustments, be sure to consult with the owner’s manual for any equipment.
  • Do not operate portable generators or other gasoline engine-powered tools within or near enclosed spaces like your house, garage, or similar enclosures. Even with open windows and doors, these spaces have a tendency to trap carbon monoxide, allowing the gas to swiftly build up to lethal levels.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. A carbon monoxide detector will sound an alarm, much like a fire alarm, whenever it detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Like other electronic devices, be sure to check and replace batteries regularly. The installation of a carbon monoxide detector should not replace the proper use and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances and equipment.

To learn more about what you can do for minimizing carbon monoxide exposure, or other quality HVAC products and solutions, contact your local HVAC experts at Comfort Systems. Our experienced technicians have been proudly serving Wichita and surrounding Kansas area homeowners since 1996.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about carbon monoxide exposure and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

 

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