When was the last time you checked your carbon monoxide detector? It’s important for your and your family’s safety that you check your carbon monoxide detector regularly. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless toxic gas that can be fatal. It’s even more important that you regularly check your CO detector in the winter when your house is sealed and the heating system is running constantly.
Read on for more information on how to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.
How to Protect You & Your Family
You can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home by taking certain measures.
Install & Check CO Detectors
The main way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to install CO detectors in your home. Make sure they’re certified to the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) CAN/CGA 6.19 standard or the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard.
They should be installed where they can be easily heard, like in the hallway or near the bedrooms. Plus, you should test your CO detector at least once a month to ensure the battery is good and the alarm is functioning properly.
Don’t forget to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector at least once a year or when the low battery indicator sounds.
HVAC Equipment Maintenance & Inspections
Another way to stay safe is to keep all your HVAC equipment clean and maintained. This includes having all appliances and heating systems installed properly by a professional, ensuring that all appliances are adequately ventilated, and getting your systems and chimney (if you have one) inspected regularly.
HVAC equipment should be serviced annually, at a minimum. While all of your fuel-burning appliances and your chimney should be inspected and cleaned each year.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide in Your Home
Carbon monoxide is produced when carbon-based fuels are not fully burned. It could come from:
- Wood
- Propane
- Natural Gas
- Heating Oil
- Coal
- Kerosene
- Charcoal
- Gasoline
Sources of carbon monoxide in your home include:
- Wood or gas-burning stoves
- Gas refrigerators
- Gasoline engines
- Kerosene heaters
What to do if Your CO Alarm Goes Off
If your CO detector beeps, get out of your house and contact your local fire department. Never ignore a carbon monoxide detector alarm!
Delta Helps Keep Your Family Safe
There are other ways to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. For example, never barbeque in your house or garage. For more information about carbon monoxide, including do’s and don’ts, check Health Canada. As for the proper and professional installation, maintenance and cleaning of your HVAC systems, leave it to Delta.
Need help with your CO detector?
Delta Air Systems is an established heating company in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. And we’ve been installing, servicing and repairing furnaces since the 1950s and work hard to ensure complete customer satisfaction.
Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and information on heating system promotions.