At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we strongly recommend that all homes have functioning carbon monoxide detectors to notify you when there is an unsafe level of CO in the air.
According to the CDC, approximately 430 people die in the U.S. from carbon monoxide poisoning, and another 50,000 visit the ER each year. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that is incredibly harmful to people and animals who breathe it in. Increased levels in an enclosed area can lead to CO poisoning or death.
This article discusses carbon monoxide, how CO detectors work, and what to do if your alarm goes off. Contact Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating if you have any questions.
What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas found in fumes produced when fuel is burned. Fuel burned in your furnace, stove, gas grill, fireplace, gas ranges, vehicles, and similar devices all produce carbon monoxide. CO poisoning is a major winter-time issue because most carbon monoxide issues result from a faulty furnace.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas found in fumes produced when fuel is burned. Fuel burned in your furnace, stove, gas grill, fireplace, gas ranges, vehicles, and similar devices all produce carbon monoxide. When CO accumulates in tightly sealed or enclosed spaces, dangerous levels can accumulate.
When carbon monoxide is breathed in, it prevents your blood from carrying oxygen to your cells. This can lead to severe tissue damage and even death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Dull headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
CO poisoning is particularly dangerous for sleeping or intoxicated people because they cannot detect these symptoms. People can experience irreversible brain damage or death before ever realizing there’s a problem.
How CO Detectors Work
Carbon monoxide detectors work much like a fire or smoke detector. They sound an alarm when they detect carbon monoxide in the air. There are many different detectors – simple ones that sound an alarm or smart detectors that hook up to your smartphone and home security system.
What to Do if Your Alarm Goes Off
If your CO detector goes off, act quickly! Don’t panic, but get everyone in your house to move outside for fresh air. Check everyone for flu-like symptoms and call 911 immediately if you notice any symptoms.
Do not reenter your home until the alarm stops or emergency responders determine your home safe. Contact a professional to check your furnace, boiler, water heater, or stove.
Contact Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we strongly recommend that all homes have functioning carbon monoxide detectors to notify you when there is an unsafe level of CO in the air. Regular maintenance of your furnace will provide additional protection this winter. Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC, a St. Louis HVAC company with over 30 years of experience, can provide all your HVAC maintenance needs.
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At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we pride ourselves in being a locally owned and operated HVAC company. With more than 30 years of experience and a master technician and mechanical engineer as our owner, we can replace, repair, and provide maintenance for your business or home’s HVAC system.
(314) 471-7625
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