With colder weather taking over in Central California, it’s important to take precautions against the increased threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 150 people die each year from non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning. Most of these deaths were a result of faulty, poorly vented or misused fuel-burning appliances.
The first step you can take to safeguard against carbon monoxide is to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Your detectors are the first line of defense against an odorless and often deadly gas. If you are only using one device, you should place it near your main sleeping area. However, it’s a good idea to place one in each bedroom for optimum safety, as well as on each level of the home.
In order to keep your family safe, carbon monoxide detectors are a must, but practice these basic tips as well:
- Check to make sure your furnace is in proper working order, focusing on all components including the venting system. An annual fall maintenance check is always a good idea for safety, energy efficiency and home comfort..
- Check your fireplace on a regular basis to make sure it’s clean and working properly.
- Consider buying both hardwired (or plug-in) and battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors. This will ensure that your home is protected in the event the power goes out or the battery run dead.
It is important for your family to avoid certain harmful actions that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, as well. Avoid the following activities to keep your family safe:
- Using a portable generator in your home
- Using a charcoal grill in your home
- Using your gas range for heat
- Leaving your car running in the garage
For more information and expert advice pertaining to protecting your home from carbon monoxide, please contact us at Donald P. Air Conditioning. We’ve been providing superior HVAC services to the greater Fresno area for nearly 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Fresno, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about carbon monoxide detectors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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