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.