Today’s heating systems are safer than they’ve ever been before, but there is still some amount of risk involved with operating a whole-home gas heating unit. These systems use combustion to heat up the air, which creates several byproducts, including carbon monoxide. While the byproducts should exhaust away from your living space, there is a chance that carbon monoxide could fill your home. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the house in order to prevent illness or even accidental death that could result from its presence.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is extremely dangerous to inhale. This toxic substance may leak from a crack in the heat exchanger of your central heating system. While this type of crack is rare in today’s heating systems, it is always a possibility. And if it happens in your home, you won’t be able to detect the leak visually. Carbon monoxide is always produced as you burn fuels, and it can leak into your home without warning.
Have Carbon Monoxide Detectors on Each Floor
Carbon monoxide detectors are a key element to your home safety. The regulation of CO detectors is relatively new, so it’s possible that you don’t have any installed if you live in an older home. Building codes require that you have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home, so call a professional to help you if you haven’t already.
Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Maintain Your Heater
Proper maintenance is key to preventing undetected carbon monoxide leaks. Check your home’s CO detectors by holding down the buttons and waiting for the beep that says the unit is working. Replace batteries if you do not hear the beep. Local Fire Departments will also check your carbon monoxide detectors for free! And schedule a heating maintenance visit with a professional technician to check on the state of your heater and improve its performance.
Contact Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning today for carbon monoxide detector services or heating system maintenance services in Colorado Springs, CO.
