Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer because you can’t see it, taste it or smell it. When humans breathe excessive CO, it displaces oxygen in our blood. It can give us flu-like symptoms – headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Extensive exposure can cause brain damage and even death.
What can you do? Properly maintain all sources of combustion in your home. Have your furnace and gas water heater routinely serviced by a professional. Include a chimney inspection as part of routine maintenance. Know how to operate your fireplace properly, and when you make a wood fire, always leave the damper open overnight until the remnants of the fire are completely cold. Have your fireplace routinely cleaned and serviced.
Never use an unvented gas or oil space heater indoors. Never use your barbeque grill indoors. Never heat your home with a gas range. Keep the door to the attached garage closed, and be sure the door has adequate weatherstripping.
Install high-quality carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas in your home. Ask your municipality and state about specific requirements for CO detectors. Test the detectors routinely, and change the batteries yearly.