Many of these symptoms mimic the flu, so be aware and don’t just assume it’s a normal sickness. As the amount of carbon monoxide begins to build up in your bloodstream, you will begin to vomit. A loss of consciousness is certainly the most frightening symptom. Usually deaths occur when the gas builds up overnight while unsuspecting victims are sleeping and rendered unconscious before they even realize there is a problem.

How Does Carbon Monoxide Kill?

Carbon monoxide bonds with the hemoglobin in your blood. It will accumulate very rapidly in the blood, leaving the blood cells short of needed oxygen. It also leaves the blood very slowly which is why repeated or prolonged exposure can raise the danger. The elderly and very young are more susceptible and don’t forget about your pets. They are at risk as well.

Precautions to Prevent Accidental CO Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is formed by burning some sort of fuel. If the flame is impinged upon, the fire is not completely extinguished (smoldering coals), etc., the result can cause incomplete combustion. The CO is the gas that is not burned off. Sometimes if there is a leak in a furnace, water heater, or other appliance, the gas can leak out inside the house instead of being vented to the outside.  Fuel-burning appliances are the only ones from which carbon monoxide results. Electric appliances don’t create CO. Improperly vented natural gas or propane heaters and fireplaces or a wood burning fireplace can all create carbon monoxide.

• For the natural gas and propane appliances, have a technician from the gas company do a leak check and also look at the vent. They usually do this for free.
• If you have a wood burning fireplace, you should always check to make sure the damper is open and the flue is clear. It’s a good idea to have your chimney swept (cleaned) every year or two.
• Always operate kerosene-powered heaters in ventilated areas too.
• Burning wood creates more CO than natural gas. That’s why you should never charcoal grill in a tent or garage as the gas can build up in this enclosed area. The same goes for warming up your car in the garage.
• If you have a garage and you want to warm your car up in the winter, DO NOT warm it up in the garage. The exhaust from the car can seep into your house through the door if your car is in the garage. If you must warm it up, pull it out of the garage so the gas can dissipate outside.
• Also, if there is a heavy snowstorm, remember to check your outside vents to make sure they are not plugged up with snow. You should check these regularly throughout the year to ensure that birds, squirrels, mice, etc. have not built a home and blocked the airflow.

Make Sure Your Home Has a Carbon Monoxide Detector!

The best way to protect yourself and your family from this silent killer is to purchase and install a carbon monoxide detector. Like a smoke detector, it will sound an alarm if carbon monoxide gas is detected. If you think the furnace in your Olathe home could use a safety check, call City Wide Heating and Cooling to schedule a furnace tune-up at 913-384-6006.

While it may not be the first thing that homeowners think about, a furnace tune-up is something that should be scheduled every year. It’s the one thing you can do that will help prevent an emergency furnace breakdown. Not getting a tune-up could quickly turn into an expensive proposition involving major furnace repair that will soon be followed by waves of regret. There are actually many benefits that come with getting a furnace tune-up:

Efficiency That Saves Money

Furnace tune-ups keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. Having a more efficient running furnace helps lower utility bills, which means more money in your pockets.

Tune-Ups Keep You Safe and Sound

Having your furnace checked out will ensure that potentially dangerous scenarios don’t develop in the future. These could manifest in a variety of ways: electrical issues that could lead to a fire, gas leaks that could literally blow up a home or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Catching Small Problems before They Become Big Problems

Byspotting small issues like loose parts, parts that need to be lubricated, dirty parts, electrical wiring, etc. before they cause breakdowns, you’ll not only avoid freezing while you wait for repairs, but you’ll also save money by keeping small problems from becoming major repairs with major costs.

Warranties Remain in Effect

Many homeowners don’t realize it, but most manufacturer warranties will be null and void if you don’t have annual tune-ups performed on your system. Imagine a major repair not being covered because you failed to have regular maintenance done on your furnace. It’s well worth the money and effort to keep that manufacturer warranty intact.

Preventative Maintenance Agreements Are Well Worth the Money

Many people wouldn’t bat an eye about getting preventative maintenance on their car like oil changes, tire rotations, etc. You should think of your furnace and AC the same way. The easiest way to make sure you don’t forget to schedule regular tune-ups is to sign up for City Wide Heating and Cooling’s Preventative Maintenance Agreement (PMA). Besides the benefits mentioned above, some key advantages for the PMA customer are that you’ll receive priority service over those without the maintenance agreement. Two tune-ups per year (both air conditioner and furnace checks), as well as indoor air quality maintenance. Finally, you’ll get a 10 percent discount when it comes to parts and labor on any repairs. Put those all together, and they add up to peace of mind that you really can’t put a price on.

To find out more information on furnace maintenance, just call City Wide Heating and Cooling at either 913-384-6006 or 913-236-5555.