Preventing Carbon Monoxide
Prevention is the only way to deal with carbon monoxide, and the best prevention is regular inspection by a service technician.
An appliance could produce carbon monoxide if:
Boxes, laundry or other materials are blocking the base, restricting oxygen flow.
The vent hood, pipes or flues are blocked or corroded.
The unit is installed or adjusted improperly.
It's used incorrectly (i.e., heating a room with a gas stove).
The heat exchanger is cracked.
Natural gas furnaces should be inspected every year; other appliances, such as water heaters, clothes dryers and stoves,
should be checked every two years. If you have a natural gas fireplace, it should be serviced regularly as well.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you have natural gas appliances, a carbon monoxide detector is a must for keeping your family safe.
These devices work like smoke detectors, sounding an audible alarm if a certain level of carbon monoxide (CO) is detected.
