Carbon Monoxide Protection

Because it is invisible and odorless, carbon monoxide (CO) can be detected only with a carbon monoxide detector. Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision. In a home where CO levels are slightly high, family members may experience some of these symptoms at a low level for years and not know the cause.

Carbon monoxide commonly enters a home because a furnace or water heater is improperly vented. Have your gas company come to your home to give a free inspection. Vent pipes might be clogged, inadequately joined, or installed in the wrong configuration. In any of these cases, repairs are simple. An inspection by a heating professional can also reveal any CO problems.

Venting configurations can be complicated, especially if two appliances -- most commonly a furnace and a water heater -- are in the same room. Have a pro check the venting carefully.

Be sure to follow correct maintenance procedures for your furnace. A forced-air system is the most likely to cause problems. Make sure filters are changed regularly and that air can flow freely through the vents.

Any appliance that uses flammable fuels can be the source of CO poisoning. A fireplace may also be the culprit. If the chimney does not draw well, or if the chimney bricks are not well mortared, CO from burning wood can leak into living areas -- even if you do not smell smoke. This often occurs on upper floors, so install a CO detector there as well.

Many homeowners neglect to install carbon monoxide detectors, but these are an essential line of defense. Place one detector near but not in the room that contains the water heater and heating unit. Place another in the main floor's living room. If you use your garage as a work space, place one there as well. You may want to place CO detectors next to your smoke detectors.

If your home tests for high levels of CO, open windows to provide some ventilation. If that does not solve the problem, evacuate the house. In either case, call in a heating contractor to make repairs.