Carbon monoxide gas, dubbed “the silent killer,” is a toxic chemical responsible for many deaths each year. It is tasteless, odorless, and invisible to the naked eye, characteristics that lend credit to its frightening nickname. Until manufacturers began producing electronic detectors, people had no way to identify CO until after it inflicted damage. American Air & Heat’s technicians recommend you know what CO is, where it comes from and its effects to protect yourself and your family from this noxious substance.
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous byproduct of non- or partially combusted fuel. The source can be anything from natural gas to wood or charcoal in water heaters, furnaces, gas-powered dryers, and stoves. Any device that burns fuel has the potential to release CO into the atmosphere. Since the average household contains more than one of these, the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning is quite high.
Whenever a fuel-burning machine starts malfunctioning, the first course of action should be to contact a licensed contractor like American Air & Heat. We can confidently say that our Florida AC services have saved lives, especially since faulty furnaces are a common problem. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous, and efforts should be taken to minimize them at all costs.
Only a minimal amount of CO emissions are the result of problematic home heating systems. However, this does not provide an excuse for neglecting routine heating and cooling repairs. Quality AC repair in Florida will include a detailed inspection of your furnace for any possible CO leaks.
Another way to stop carbon monoxide in its tracks is to invest in a CO detector. Similar in size and function to your home’s smoke detectors, these devices are specifically engineered to detect the smallest concentration of CO emissions and alert homeowners if the chemical is present.
The symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeats. Seek medical attention if anyone in your home has experienced one or more of these health problems, then contact the experts at American Air & Heat for a comprehensive test of your home’s heating system.
