What You Should Know About Carbon Monoxide
At Harris Comfort, we’re always looking out for the safety of you and your family. As the weather begins to cool down, let’s talk about something all propane users should be aware of: carbon monoxide, also known as CO.
Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous gas that is produced when any fuel burns. High levels of CO can come from appliances that are not operating correctly, or from a venting system or chimney that becomes blocked. CO CAN BE DEADLY! High levels of CO can lead to CO poisoning – here are some symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
If you suspect CO is present, act immediately…
If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the building and call 911 or your local fire department. If it’s safe to do so, open windows to allow fresh air to enter the building and turn off any appliances you suspect may be releasing CO.
If no one has the symptoms, but you suspect CO is still present, contact Harris Comfort right away so that we may check the CO levels in your home and inspect your equipment for propane leaks.
There are ways you can help reduce the risk of CO poisoning. Take the proper precautions to ensure that you and your family are safe from CO poisoning by…
- Having a Harris Comfort service technician inspect your propane appliances and related venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season begins
- Installing UL-listed CO detectors on every level of your home
- Not using a gas oven or cooking range to provide space heating
- Not using portable heaters indoors unless they’re designed and approved for indoor use
- Not using a barbecue grill (propane or coal) indoors for cooking or heating
- Checking your appliance exhaust vents for blockage
Propane has a long history of safety, that’s because homeowners who rely on propane for their home fueling needs know how to safely store and use it. We hope that by keeping you informed, you can help propane maintain its record of safety. Contact Harris Comfort for more safety tips, or for information on our other propane services.
