Most people would link the accidents caused by heating equipment to a combustion chamber explosion or a boiler explosion. However, one of the most common problems related to gas appliances—water heaters, stoves, boilers, lanterns, grills, gas ranges, and fireplaces – is carbon monoxide, which is a product of combustion. The inappropriate use of these devices in buildings and homes can lead to critical instances of carbon monoxide emissions. This is also applicable to ovens, barbeques, generators, and stoves installed in homes. When used in closed spaces with poor ventilation, CO emissions from these appliances can lead to critical health conditions or death.
Carbon Monoxide – The Invisible Killer
Equipment failure related to poor ventilation of furnaces and pipelines is attributed to the carbon monoxide emission. This silent killer is responsible for a number of deaths and illnesses, generally in permanent residences. Fortunately, CO causes no damage to heating and boiler equipment and is preventable in most cases.
Common Symptoms of CO Poisoning?
Nick Presley from First 4 Plumbing says that some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are tension headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. The other common symptoms are vomiting, chest pain, weakness, lethargy, digestion related problems, and confusion. Experts generally place these symptoms in the same category as those caused by flu. Breathing carbon monoxide consistently can make people pass out, or cause death.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Emission in Homes
- A battery-operated CO detector, or one with a battery back-up, can be installed near your bedroom or any other living space. It should be placed appropriately so that you can wake up if the alarm goes off in the middle of the night. Detectors with digital readouts also give out information about the maximum level of CO concentration and are worth a look. Once installed, remember to replace your CO detector every five years.
- Hire the services of a qualified technician to service your water heater and heating systems on an annual basis. The same applies to all other gas, coal, or oil-burning appliances in your setup.
- Avoid using flameless chemical heaters in closed spaces.
- Is your gas refrigerator giving off a strange odor? It could be leaking carbon monoxide and requires immediate attention.
- Ensure that all gas appliances have proper ventilation channels to prevent CO leaks in case the pipes and joints are fitted loosely.
- Have your gas chimney cleaned and checked for blockages that cause CO to build up in indoor living spaces.
Invest in Regular Repairs and Maintenance of Heating Equipment
It is common to see your boilers being stretched to their optimum limits in winters. This causes a strain on the main boiler chamber, its parts, and connecting pipelines. The same rings true for all other types of heating equipment in your household. Without regular maintenance and upkeep, they are likely to break down at the times when you need them most. The proper functioning of boilers and heaters is essential to reduce the risks of carbon monoxide emissions and unwanted repairs. To attain this, request timely services from a reliable plumbing and heating company near you; they will make your boilers work to maximum efficiency. Get in touch with your preferred plumbing agency, today.