Five Mistakes That Could Lead To Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can bind to your cells, displacing oxygen and causing a range of symptoms from nausea to confusion. Some people even pass out and die from carbon monoxide poisoning before they even notice the symptoms. This poisonous gas is generated whenever wood, gas, oil, or any other fuel is burned. Ideally, it is vented out of the house so you're not exposed to it. However, some common mistakes can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. To protect yourself and your family from this deadly gas, make sure you avoid these mistakes.
Mistake: Lighting a fire with a dirty chimney.
When your chimney is dirty, two things can happen. First, fumes containing carbon monoxide may not be exhausted out through the chimney as intended; they might instead end up in your home. Second, a compound called creosote that is often found in dirty chimneys may catch fire or smoulder, releasing more carbon monoxide into the home.
Always have your chimney professionally cleaned before you start using your fireplace for the season. Don't just rely on a "chimney sweeping log" from your local home goods store to do the job. A log won't be able to ensure all of the debris is removed and that your chimney is venting properly. You can get more from a professional chimney sweep, on the other hand, who can ensure your chimney is venting properly after the cleaning session, so you know you don't have to be concerned about fumes and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Mistake: Grilling indoors.
Whether you have a charcoal or propane grill, it should only be operated outside in a well-ventilated area. Grilling inside -- even if just in a screened-up porch—releases carbon monoxide into the home. If you just can't stand not grilling when the weather is bad, invest in a grill pan that you can place over your stovetop. It may not be quite as fun as the real thing, but it will be so much safer.
Mistake: Running an old heating system that has not been inspected.
If you have an aging gas, oil, or propane furnace that has not been inspected in a year or more, then you are putting yourself at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. The vent systems associated with older furnaces often develop leaks, allowing carbon monoxide to spew into the home. A qualified HVAC technician can look over your system and ensure any leaks are dealt with before a major issue arises.
If your furnace is on the newer side, annual inspection might not be necessary. However, you should check with your HVAC tech to be sure, and adhere to their inspection guidelines to be as safe as possible.
Mistake: Using the gas range or oven to heat your home.
Constantly running your gas stove or oven to heat your home puts you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, since this gas is generated when natural gas is burned. If the central heat goes out, use a portable electric heater to keep your space warm, rather than relying on a stove or oven.
Mistake: Running a generator near a window or door.
If the power goes out and you need to run a generator, make sure it is placed far from any windows or doors. The generator gives off carbon monoxide as it burns fuel, and even if your windows and doors are shut, the gas can leak in the spaces between the window frames and sashes and below the door. Obviously, you should never run a generator inside, either.
By avoiding the mistakes above, you can protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, make sure you place a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If this gas is present, the alarm will go off, alerting you that you need to get out of your home and stay somewhere safe until a professional can inspect the home and determine the source of the gas.