Each year, there are approximately 50,000 emergency department visits due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and at least 430 deaths in the United States (Source: CDC.gov). Many of these accidents could have been prevented by well-functioning carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. As the Indoor Air Quality Experts in the Northern Neck, the Crowther HVAC team is qualified to outfit your home with effective carbon monoxide detectors.
What Causes Carbon Monoxide in the Home?
Many household appliances are known to expel carbon monoxide into the home, including (but not limited to) gas stoves, boilers, and central heating systems. Running a car engine in a closed space (such as inside a garage) can also cause CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide is produced when the gas used by these objects does not fully burn. Failure to detect or ventilate this gas can cause poisoning or even disastrous combustion.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it is colorless and odorless. In many cases, a person will not realize they have been exposed to the gas until they feel very sick. The symptoms of poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If a person is asleep or under the influence during a carbon monoxide leak, they may not experience or recognize any of these symptoms and die. For those who survive being poisoned, there may be long-term effects on their health.
Where Should I Install My Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
Identifying the perfect places in your home for carbon monoxide detectors is essential to their effectiveness. Carbon monoxide, as a gas, is lighter than the oxygen in your home and will tend to float towards the ceiling. In many cases, the carbon monoxide produced in a person’s home will be warm, which also encourages it to rise. Installing the detector at least 5 feet off the ground is ideal. The detector can also be installed directly onto the ceiling. It’s best to keep it some distance away from objects which may emit this gas in order to avoid excessive alarms.
Air Quality Expects in the Northern Neck
Crowther Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving customers throughout the Northern Neck area since 1954. We have installed countless carbon monoxide detectors, helping to keep families safe from the dangers of this colorless, odorless gas. If you don’t have detectors in your home, fear they may be malfunctioning, or simply want to make sure that your detectors are running correctly, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our air quality experts in the Northern Neck.
