With the arrival of the colder weather in the Chicago area, there is an increase in the number of fuel-burning appliances being used in the home. Such appliances include ovens, space heaters, generators, and fireplaces. These appliances can also cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in the home. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. With these factors it is a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detectors to safeguard your family. 

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. It results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil. This gas can form in the home from incomplete combustion from any flame-fueled (i.e., not electric) device, and open flames, such as from ovens and ranges, are the most common source of carbon monoxide. Vehicles are the most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you are considering purchasing a Carbon monoxide detector, they work by triggering an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. Carbon monoxide can be dangerous if you are exposed to high levels in a short period of time, or to lower levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time. Carbon monoxide detectors range in price from $30 to $150 and are most effective models are those that offer that offer back-up battery power.

Purchasing a detector is a great idea and below are some tips to help protect you to avoid any problems.

•  Prevent any problems by making sure that your heating appliances are in good working order and used only in well-ventilated areas. Never use a stove for heating.

•  Don’t run a car engine in the garage, even to warm it up; move the car outside first. CO can leak into the home.

•  Install a CO alarm outside every sleeping area, on every level of your home and at least 15 feet away from every fuel-burning appliance. Be sure to check  the batteries on your CO alarms at the same time you do your fire detecors – and replace the batteries twice a year.

•  Have all gas, oil or coal burning appliances inspected by a technician every year to ensure they’re working correctly and are properly ventilated.