You like to rely on your gas, electric, or oil furnace to heat up your home for comfort and efficiency. But the fireplace was one of the reasons you bought the home, so you like to get a crackling fire going in winter and around the holidays. Unfortunately, the byproducts of that pleasure can be deadly. Over 200 people across the country die each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning from their heating systems, says the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
If you use your fireplace only once or twice a year, you may assume that it doesn’t need cleaning. But over the years, soot and creosote can collect inside your fireplace. Even a little bit of buildup can produce carbon monoxide that enters your home. This gas is invisible and odorless and can give you headaches and nausea. It can also permanently damage your brain and organs and cause death. The people most at risk are grandma and grandpa, or the baby.
To prevent this problem, have your chimney inspected at least once a year before you use it. The inspector can advise you on whether it needs cleaning. In addition, install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of the home. They’re inexpensive enough that you can purchase several. Be sure to read the instructions on how to place these lifesavers correctly.
If you experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms or your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, evacuate the home immediately and call 911.
If you need more carbon monoxide tips, or want to install an alarm system that incorporates a carbon monoxide detector and other fire safety features, please contact us.
