It’s odorless, colorless, and dangerously lethal. Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer because it’s so difficult to detect. More than 400 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. Even though it’s extremely dangerous, there are still several ways you can safeguard your home and protect your family from an accidental poisoning. Here are some facts about the gas and information about how to take action now to protect your family.

Carbon Monoxide Facts

• More than 20,000 Americans visit the hospital each year for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

• Carbon monoxide can be found in stoves, generators, fireplaces, water heaters, vehicles, and furnaces

• Carbon monoxide is typically vented outside of your home when the above pieces of equipment are properly ventilated

Related Read: Signs You Need a Furnace Tune-Up

Tips to Protect Your Home & Family from Carbon Monoxide

• Make sure you have working CO monitors installed in several areas of your home.

PURCHASE A CO MONITOR HERE

• Test your CO alarms once a month

• Make sure you know what sound your CO alarm makes when it’s set off

• If your CO alarms do sound, make sure everyone inside the home gets to a place where they can get fresh air, preferably outside. Call the fire department quickly.

• Never start your car to warm it up inside of a closed space like a garage. Always move your car outside first

• During and after a snowstorm, make sure that vents to your dryer, furnace, and stove are clear of obstruction

• Open your damper in your fireplace for proper ventilation

• Gas and charcoal grills can produce CO, so only use them outside

Call Home Comfort Experts to install working carbon monoxide detectors in your home while we are there for your annual furnace tune-up or other air conditioning and heating service. With the long winter months ahead, we will all be spending more time indoors and we want to make sure you and your family are safe in your Michigan or Indiana home. Call us at (574) 255-4600 today.

The holiday season is supposed to be full of cheer and joy. Unfortunately in places like Mishawaka, South Bend and the surrounding areas, it’s also the season that the frigid cold temperatures wreak havoc on our homes. Things like frozen pipes that burst can create loads of drama and headache for homeowners during the holidays. Here are Home Comfort Experts’ tips to prevent this horrid problem from happening in your home.

 

Keep Your Home at 68 Degrees or Higher

When it comes to your thermostat make sure you don’t set it too low. Setting your thermostat much lower than 68 degrees can put your pipes and your home in danger. Lower temperatures in your home can leave some of the pipes in the outer walls of your home susceptible to frigid temps, which could cause frozen and burst pipes. If you’re having a problem keeping your home comfortable and well heated this winter, make sure to get a furnace tune-up with the experts at Home Comfort. We’ll make sure your furnace system is operating at peak efficiency.

 

Make Sure Your Michigan or Indiana Home Is Properly Insulated

Your thermostat isn’t the only way to safeguard your home from freezing temperatures in the winter. Proper insulation also plays a huge part in keeping your home comfortable and in working condition. Inadequate insulation in the exterior walls of your home and in your attic or basement can leave pipes exposed to the cold.

 

Shut Off Water Supply Valves to Washing Machine if You’re on Vacation

Many homeowners who’ve experienced frozen or burst pipes had it happen while they were away from their homes for an extended period of time. This makes the problem even more dangerous because it usually means your burst pipes are leaking water into your home for longer until it is noticed, causing a lot more damage. If you’re leaving your home for an extended period of time, it might be wise to shut off the water supply valves to your washing machine and other large appliances that consume water in your home.

 

Call Home Comfort Experts for a plumbing inspection this winter and protect your home from the worst.