CARBON MONOXIDE AND COMBUSTION ANALYSIS
CO Poisoning
Signs to watch for:
- Headache
- Fatigue (lack of energy)
- Dizziness
- Disorientation (confusion)
- Nausea
- Loss of consciousness (occurs at high, potentially fatal levels)
The impact of CO poisoning can vary based on age, health, and the duration and level of exposure.
SAFETY TIP:
Never allow a car to idle in your garage. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent CO buildup.
CO poisoning predominately occurs in the home (approximately 73%) from improperly maintained and vented sources in or near the home.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Protect Your Family and Pets from Deadly Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Each year in Middle Tennessee, we hear about families who either narrowly escape or fall victim to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in their homes. This dangerous gas is a byproduct of burning gas appliances such as stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, and generators. While CO should always be vented outside, system failures can occur. Known as ‘The Silent Killer,’ carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, so its buildup often goes unnoticed until it causes illness or worse.
Annual Equipment Inspections: Your Best Defense
Regular inspection and maintenance of gas-burning appliances are crucial for detecting issues and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Copeland Home Service Family Maintenance Plan is an excellent choice for Nashville-area homeowners with a gas furnace.
During furnace maintenance, we will inspect your heat exchanger for signs of wear or cracks that could allow CO to enter your home—areas where breaches are most likely to occur. We will also ensure that carbon monoxide is properly vented outdoors and perform a Combustion Analysis to verify our findings.
The Best Protection: A Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm and a Low-Level CO Monitor
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms available in stores provide an essential layer of safety. However, be aware that many of these alarms allow low-level CO exposure for up to 3.5 hours before the alarm sounds. This delay could mean that the most vulnerable individuals in your home—such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with compromised health—might experience adverse effects before the alarm activates.
At Copeland Home Services, we offer and install Low-Level Carbon Monoxide Monitors designed to detect CO problems as early as possible. For the best protection for your family, combining prevention measures with the earliest CO detection is crucial.