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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. Scientifically speaking, it is created when there is an incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion. In layman terms, CO is made when the burning of carbon-containing compounds is not complete. And there are any number of ways that CO can get inside your home, including:
- Leaky chimneys
- Worn or poorly maintained furnaces
- Improperly sized, blocked, or disconnected flues
- Gas water heaters and gas stoves
- Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces
- Automobile exhaust from attached garages
- Cigarette smoke
Knowing if you have a problem with carbon monoxide in your home can be tricky because you cannot smell it, taste it, or see it in the air. If you or someone in your family is exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, you may have some of these symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Light-headedness
Let us help you. Have an HomeAdvice™ indoor air quality test done today in your home – it’s simple, easy, and is typically offered at an affordable or with some providers no cost to you, the homeowner.
At AirAdvice, we are experts in indoor air quality and due to the serious nature of CO poisoning, it’s best to get professional help. We work with a select group of licensed HVAC contractors that we know and trust who are trained in HomeAdvice™ testing. Locate a Residential Contractor in your area. Click here. They will be able to determine if carbon monoxide levels in your home are within the recommended range.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people often believe when suffering from CO poisoning that they have the flu because the symptoms are so similar. But you need to realize that prolonged exposure to high levels of CO can be fatal. Get fresh air immediately if you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustible appliances, and leave the house. This is serious. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. It is important to contact a physician immediately. Be sure to tell the doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems.
Interested in what people in your area have experienced with AirAdvice? Click here to learn about people who have had an air quality test and how the results led to improvements in the environment in their homes.
AirAdvice Indoor Air Quality Tips:
- Install appliances according to manufacturer's instructions
- Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools
- Do not operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors or windows
- Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open
- Have your heating system inspected and serviced every year
- Check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, and disconnections
- Install a CO detector/alarm, choosing a model that can measure low levels of CO
- Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines inside your home or garage
- Never burn charcoal inside your home or garage
- Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside your home or garage
- Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home
Have a HomeAdvice™ test done your home.
Protect your family’s health and well-being.
Find an IAQ expert in your area.