Lakeside’s Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

November 14, 2024

Carbon monoxide is a serious threat to your health, and it’s not something to ignore. This invisible, odorless gas can cause a wide range of health symptoms—and in some cases, it can even be life-threatening. That’s why the team at Lakeside Heating & Air Conditioning ensures you know everything you need to know about what carbon monoxide is, the risks of CO poisoning and how to protect yourself

The best way to keep everyone in your family safe is by learning about CO poisoning and the right steps to prevent it. If you want help finding the right products for carbon monoxide detection, contact Lakeside today! You can reach us at 303-421-3572 to ensure homeowners in and around Arvada stay safe.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

The main reason carbon monoxide (CO) is so dangerous is because you can’t see, smell or taste it. CO gas forms after you burn fuels like wood or natural gas. Normally, proper ventilation keeps CO at safe levels, but when too much builds up in a closed space, it can become harmful. Breathing in CO takes the place of oxygen in your blood, which can make you really sick—and at high levels, it can even be deadly.

Carbon monoxide in homes can come from several sources, including:

  • Gas appliances like ovens, stoves and water heaters
  • Fireplaces
  • Car exhaust from idling vehicles
  • Gas furnaces and boilers
  • Grills, portable generators or even space heaters when used indoors without proper ventilation

Since most of us use these things on a regular basis, having at least one CO detector is essential for home safety. Otherwise, you may not know CO gas is in your home, even when it starts causing symptoms.

Common Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

Carbon monoxide poisoning affects everyone at different speeds, making it hard to notice. Since CO is odorless and invisible, we may assume the symptoms are from allergies or another minor concern.

The most common signs of CO poisoning to watch out for include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of consciousness

If you think someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide, move them into fresh air right away before calling emergency services. Treatment usually involves giving them 100% oxygen through a mask, helping their body expel the gas while the source of the leak is found.

How Can YOU Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Preventing carbon monoxide (CO) buildup starts with having the right safety measures in place—primarily CO detectors. These detectors are your first line of defense, alerting you the moment CO levels get too high. You should install several throughout your home. Ideally, coverage should include alarms on each floor, outside bedrooms and near any rooms with gas appliances. That way, everyone has time to respond safely even if it’s the middle of the night.

Once your CO alarms are in place, consider these four other tips to prevent CO poisoning:

  1. Always stay on top of routine maintenance: Regularly servicing your furnace, stove and water heater reduces the risk of leaks or malfunctions.
  2. Never use gas stoves or ovens for heating: They might produce heat, but they’re never a safe or efficient option for home heating.
  3. Don’t leave vehicles running in a closed garage: CO levels build up fast if your car is left idling inside.
  4. Don’t use charcoal grills and portable generators indoors: These appliances are convenient but not safe for indoor use.

Using fuel-burning appliances properly with a well-placed CO alarm system creates a strong layer of protection for both your home and family from carbon monoxide exposure.

Call on Lakeside for Fast Service and the Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Does everyone in your household understand the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning? Knowing how to avoid it is essential for their safety, and CO alarms are your early warning if levels start to rise. When combined with professional routine HVAC maintenance, it can minimize the risk of future CO leaks.

Lakeside Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to your carbon monoxide prevention needs because your well-being and comfort are priority number one. Contact us today at 303-421-3572 to learn more about CO prevention or to schedule an appointment.