The Ultimate Guide To Carbon Monoxide
When a heating system burns fossil fuel, it produces by-products. Some of these include carbon dioxide, moisture, carbon monoxide, among others. At times, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are usually produced depending on how pure the hydrocarbon fuel was.
Since moisture and carbon dioxide exist naturally in air, they are virtually harmless under normal conditions. When it turns into carbon monoxide, however, property owners and renters should be extremely cautious as this gas can kill.
Furnace Repair Manalapan NJ: What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a compound made up of a single carbon atom and a single oxygen atom, bonded together. It has the chemical formula CO, which is different from carbon dioxide, which has the formula CO2. It is an odorless and colorless gas with almost the same density as air. Therefore, when there is a CO leak in your home, it can circulate freely in your home. Carbon monoxide is extremely deadly. Thus, there is a need to prevent leakage of this dangerous gas in both residential and commercial buildings.
Indoor Air Pollution: Sources Of Carbon Monoxide
There are many potential sources of carbon monoxide. Any appliance that requires combustion of a hydrocarbon can produce carbon monoxide and other dangerous gasses. Some devices include
- wood pellet stoves
- furnaces
- wood fireplaces
- boilers
If you have any of these heating systems in your home, you are at risk of getting exposed to carbon monoxide if you do not take the necessary precautions.
Negative Health Effects Of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Every single year, the CDC reports that there are over 400 deaths in the US associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. Exposure to this deadly gas sends a whopping 20,000 people to the hospital every single year.
Most of these cases occur during winter. After all, this is the time of the year when heating systems work overdrive to keep homes and commercial buildings warm and comfortable.
Reports claim that the primary sources of carbon monoxide are leaking boilers and furnaces. Even the smallest, unnoticeable leaks can lead to exposure to dangerous levels of the gas.
Symptoms Of CO Poisoning: What You Need to Know
When running your heating system during winter, you should watch out for the following symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- confusion
- dizziness
- unconsciousness
- chest pain
- vomiting
- nausea
- physical weakness
- headaches
If you experience several of these symptoms, you should leave the house immediately to get some fresh air as you try to figure out what the problem might be. After all, there is no way of knowing if there is carbon monoxide in your home. Be sure to open windows and doors as you vacate the house with your family. Once you are out, call 911 and ask for help. When first responders get to your home, they will give you pure oxygen to breathe, the only treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.
How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: CO Detectors & Furnace Care
Since CO is a colorless and odorless gas, it is impossible for the human senses to detect it. Carbon monoxide detectors are often required. There are many types of CO detectors and alarms on the market, so consider installing a couple of them around the house.
The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to ensure you have a healthy heating system. To have a healthy heating system, you need to schedule regular maintenance on an annual basis. It is preferable to do so in the fall, before the heating season. A competent HVAC contractor can check for leaks in your furnace or boiler to ensure that there are no CO leaks into your air supply system. If there are any potential issues, they can repair your heating system to ensure that it works safely and efficiently throughout the winter. Therefore, it is imperative to hire a competent HVAC contractor to maintain your furnace or boiler each season.
Conclusion
Lawes Company, a trusted HVAC company in your area, offers heating system services including HVAC repairs, installations, tune-ups, and replacements. We have NATE certified technicians on staff who can do an excellent job for you.
At Lawes Company, our friendly experts have the skills, tools, and expertise to give you knowledgeable and practical services.
By working with us, you will find that all of our services are fast and affordable. Your system will run efficiently, reducing your home heating costs.
Also, our services can improve your indoor air quality while increasing your comfort. Our top priority is to offer our clients superior services at honest, competitive prices.
Some of the areas we service include Englishtown, Freehold, Perrineville, Tennent, and these zip codes: 07726, 07728, 08535, 07763, as well as all surrounding areas in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
Get in touch with us today, and we will be happy to serve you. We offer free, in-home estimates. Call now! Click here to contact us now or call us at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!