Carbon monoxide safety is extremely important for your family. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that doesn’t give off a smell. You may never know that there is a carbon monoxide leak, and can quickly poison and kill the people in your home.
We want to make sure that everyone is safe this year. Double- and triple-check that you have carbon monoxide detectors around the home that are working properly. Here’s our advice for homeowners everywhere.
Test your carbon monoxide detector monthly
There is a test button on the front of your carbon monoxide detector that you can hold down to make sure the alarm is working. A loud alarm should sound, and you should make sure that it can be heard from across the home.
However, you should keep in mind that this test does not verify that a carbon monoxide detector is still capable of detecting the poisonous gas in the air.
In order to check to be sure that your CO detector really is working correctly, and is able to catch CO leaks quickly, ask a firefighter. Local fire stations have tools that will be able to safely test a CO detector for you.
Replace carbon monoxide detectors on time
Your carbon monoxide detector will not last forever. There are two reasons to replace a CO detector. The first reason is if it is not working properly, either because the alarm is not sounding or because a firefighter determines the advice cannot detect CO.
The second is if your carbon monoxide detector is over 5 to 7 years old. CO detectors only last 5 to 7 years. Older ones should be replaced as they may not work properly.
Check local programs
You might qualify for a free CO detector or for free replacement batteries.
Check with your local fire department. In some areas, programs exist to make sure that everyone has the protection they need. For example, in Colorado Springs, CSFD will replace single-unit smoke alarm batteries for senior and low-income individuals.
Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning offers heating services and helpful information to homeowners in Colorado Springs, CO. Call us for more information.
