CO, Oh No!
With the cooler temperatures comes an increased use of the furnace to warm our houses and bodies. Recently I moved into an older home that has a gas furnace, stove, and water heater! Because of this I had some questions about the carbon monoxide monitors hanging on the walls of my kitchen and dining room – and while it may only be the second week of October, (and I haven’t even thought about touching that thermostat yet) I figured now would be a great time to start familiarizing myself with those noisy white boxes! I sat down with our operations manager Alan and asked him all my questions about CO monitors. Keep reading to find out what he had to say!
What are common sources of carbon monoxide in the home?
Any gas appliance in your home – like the water heater, boiler, stove and furnace. Your vehicle also creates carbon monoxide, which is why you shouldn’t warm a car up in the garage!
When should I test my monitor? And how?
The manufacturer of the monitors we sell recommend testing the horn and battery on a weekly basis. However, the sensor should only be tested once a month, any more and you could shorten the life of the monitors sensor. Be sure to always refer to the owners-manual for proper testing procedures.
I heard I should replace a CO monitor every 5-7 years, why is that?
No monitor will last forever, unfortunately they do expire. In order to ensure the safety of you and your family we recommend replacing the monitors every 6 years. This ensures that the sensor is in good working condition. If you aren’t sure how old your monitor is, check the back of it for either a manufacture date or expiration date.
Why do I need a “Low Level” carbon monoxide monitor?
Low level monitors are able to detect CO levels as low as 5 ppm (parts per million) and will go off at 15 ppm, which according to the World Health Organization is the first level that can have harmful effects.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Although the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can be subtle, the condition is a life-threatening medical emergency.” Symptoms of poisoning can range from a dull headache to loss of consciousness.
At Chapman Heating and Air we take carbon monoxide safety seriously, which is why we offer low level carbon monoxide monitors that will not only alert you to potentially dangerous levels of CO, but they also let you know exactly how much of this potentially harmful gas you are living with by displaying it in parts per million (ppm) on the digital screen!
Remember: If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, the best thing to do is open the windows and doors leave your home immediately, and call the fire department ASAP!