Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of leading causes of death by poisoning in the U.S. This remains true even with the increase of public awareness and the addition of CO detectors into many building codes across the nation.
Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because there is no odor from the gas and the symptoms can be so gradual and commonplace that individuals don’t realize that there is a problem. Many times people simply fall asleep and don’t wake up. Even when the levels of carbon monoxide are fairly low, they can be making people sick and can be especially detrimental to small children, infants and pregnant women when exposed over a significant period of time.
All of this demonstrates the importance of having carbon monoxide detectors in your home, that they are properly placed and that they are periodically tested to be sure that they are working properly. Just like any piece of equipment, not all CO detectors are created equal. CO detectors can also lose their effectiveness over time; that is the reason for periodic testing. There are also certain recommendations for placement of CO detectors for optimum effectiveness.
Since carbon monoxide gas can develop from a faulty furnace, HVAC contractors are well trained in the installation and testing of CO detectors. These professionals will also be aware of local and state codes regarding their installation. Of course, detection is only one aspect of preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. The other is prevention. Having your HVAC system inspected annually before each heating season is a worthwhile investment in your family’s safety. Provide your family with adequate protection by investing in both the professional installation of CO detectors and an annual inspection of your heating system.
