Right now, we can hear some of you asking, “Why is anyone talking about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the heat of summer?” Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air wants to make sure everyone realizes protecting against CO takes year-round vigilance.
Carbon Monoxide Danger Is Ever-Present
A few weeks ago, four members of an Ohio family and three family dogs were killed by CO poisoning. Investigators linked their deaths to a gas-fired tankless water heater. They have not determined if the heater was at fault or if it was installed incorrectly.
Not Just Furnaces
Just about everyone links carbon monoxide poisoning to the heating season. This tragedy should serve as a strong reminder the risk doesn’t come from just furnaces. Any, we repeat ANY, fuel burning device produces CO gas. The levels are much higher if there is a problem—causing incomplete burning of the fuel. It’s why those devices should be a part of any HVAC tune-up.
Symptoms
Even though it is the middle of summer, please familiarize yourself with some of the warning signs. The important thing to remember is that you cannot smell, see, or taste carbon monoxide gas in your Auburn or Montgomery, AL home, but you can learn to recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
If you start to have noticeable symptoms or see a family member who has them, play it safe and get out of the house until the indoor air quality can be tested by a professional.
CO Detectors
If you don’t have carbon monoxide detectors in your home, now is the time to get them. You should have at least one detector on each level of your house. If you have an attached garage, make sure there is a detector close to the door leading into the home. A vehicle left running in a garage can quickly fill the house with CO gas. If you’re not comfortable making this a DIY project, Dixie will be happy to help.
Call Dixie, And It’s Done
Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air can test for carbon monoxide at any time of the year, even when we’re doing an A/C tune-up. Just let us know in advance you have gas-burning devices and you would like them tested. For more great safety information year-round be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
