How to Prevent and Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

How to Prevent and Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

We recently discussed the danger of cracked furnace heat exchangers and how this can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) entering your home and posing major health risks. Any use of natural gas in a home presents some risk of CO leaks, and it’s important that you take steps to prevent this from occurring and to provide a warning should they happen.

First, Always Schedule Heating Maintenance

Without fail, arrange to have an HVAC professional visit your house each fall or early winter—the time before you have to first turn on your furnace—to inspect the system and make sure that it has no repair needs. A properly maintained natural gas heating system will be at the lowest possible risk for CO leaks. You can sign up for our maintenance plan, which also includes service for your AC each spring.

Have Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your House

Because CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, you need special devices that can detect its presence. CO detectors, which you can purchase at most home improvement stores, are essential for any house that uses natural gas. Have the detectors placed both upstairs and downstairs, as well as near the kitchen and in rooms where people sleep.

Replacing Aging Natural Gas Appliances

The older a natural gas appliance gets, the higher its risk of CO leaks. If you have a gas-powered furnace that is more than 20 years old, we strongly recommend that you have a new one put in. Talk to our specialists about a new furnace installation. (You may even want to switch to an effective electrical system, like a heat pump.)

Never Work on Gas Lines or Gas Appliances Yourself

If you suspect anything is wrong with your furnace or another gas appliance in your home, or you think there are gas line leaks, do not try to repair it on your own. Only licensed technicians are legally permitted to work on anything attached to the gas main for safety reasons.

Russell’s Heating & Air Conditioning serves Alta Loma and throughout the Inland Empire and the Desert Communities.