Domestic heating and cooling systems can emit Carbon Monoxide (CO) into your house, which can pose a serious risk to your family. Carbon monoxide testing for heating and cooling systems is necessary to protect your family from CO poisoning. Here’s what you need to know about CO testing for heating systems.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of the inefficient combustion of carbon-based fuels. It can be produced by heating systems, stoves, furnaces etc. It’s a poisonous gas. It binds with red blood cells, and it deprives the body of oxygen. To make it worse, it’s both colorless and odorless, so it’s hard to detect.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning
Inhalation of carbon monoxide causes the following symptoms: dull headaches, dizziness, confusion, general weakness, breathing difficulties, nausea, and vomiting. If you inhale CO past a certain critical point, you could lose consciousness or even die. If you experience these symptoms, or if you suspect that you are suffering from CO poisoning, you should shut off your heating system, open all doors and windows to let in fresh air, and seek immediate medical attention.
What can I do to protect my home and family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
As an adult, you may be able to take action once you start experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning, but what about your little kids? What if you are asleep during exposure? You cannot rely on your ability to self-diagnose every time, which is why you should take the following steps to protect yourself and your family against CO poisoning:
Install carbon monoxide detectors
You should install battery-powered CO detectors around the house and ensure that they are always functional. CO detectors can register even minute traces of the gas, and they’ll alert you so that you can take appropriate action.
Service your heating system
Poorly maintained or aging heating systems are more likely to emit carbon monoxide. You should schedule a yearly inspection and carbon monoxide testing to ensure that your heating system is not broken or faulty. At the time of installation, ensure that you select a heating system from a trustworthy manufacturer.
Avoid risky practices
Avoid using portable chemical heaters inside the house. Avoid putting your baby to sleep on the floor because CO is heavier than air and it’s more likely to linger around the lower parts of the house. Don’t use gas appliances meant for cooking to heat your house. Don’t install a generator inside the house or close to doors, windows or vents.
Pay attention and ensure your heating system is well ventilated. Ensure your chimney isn’t blocked. Contact Northwest Heating & Cooling who are HVAC experts in case of any abnormalities in the functioning of your heating system so that they can carry out carbon monoxide testing and repair any leaks.