When it comes to protecting your home and family, most people remember to check their smoke detectors—but what about carbon monoxide detectors?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly. It’s produced whenever fuel is burned in furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, gas ranges, or vehicles. If CO builds up in a home due to poor ventilation, malfunctioning equipment, or blocked vents, it can poison the people inside—often without warning.
What Makes Carbon Monoxide So Dangerous?
- It’s undetectable by human senses. You can’t see, smell, or taste it.
- It builds up quietly. One faulty appliance or a car running in an attached garage can cause CO to accumulate rapidly.
- It can be deadly. Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, confusion, nausea, headache, chest pain, and loss of consciousness—and it can be fatal within minutes in high concentrations.
How CO Detectors Help
A CO detector is your first and only line of defense against carbon monoxide poisoning. These devices sound an alarm when CO levels rise, giving you time to ventilate the home and get to safety.
Here’s what you need to know:
- CO detectors should be installed on each level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
- Test them monthly, and replace the batteries at least once a year.
- Detectors have a lifespan—usually 5 to 7 years. Check the expiration date and replace if needed.
- Never ignore a CO alarm. If it sounds, get outside immediately and call 911 or your local fire department.
Prevention Tips
- Have your heating systems, water heaters, and any fuel-burning appliances inspected annually.
- Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
- Ensure chimneys and vents are clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
- Don’t run generators or grills inside garages or near open windows.
Protect Your Home, Protect Your Family
At SPS Property Inspections, we take home safety seriously. During our home inspections, we check for conditions that could lead to CO build-up, like improper ventilation or aging fuel-burning appliances. But the most important step is making sure your home is equipped with working CO detectors.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Install or test your CO detectors today—and if you’re unsure, we’re here to help with a professional inspection and guidance.