The Silent Danger in Your Home: Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips for Fall
As we move into the cooler months of fall, it’s important to revisit some essential safety tips—specifically, carbon monoxide (CO) safety. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It can’t be seen, smelled, or heard, and without proper precautions, it can accumulate in your home, putting your family at serious risk.
I was fortunate to attend the NCI National Comfort Institute Summit in Asheville, North Carolina, where I had the opportunity to learn from thought leaders in the HVAC industry. The experience took me back to my days in the ’90s as a club kid who later transitioned into the tech world during the dot-com boom. Just like then, I felt a renewed excitement for learning at the summit, especially when it comes to technical subjects like carbon monoxide safety.
One key takeaway? 15% of carbon monoxide alarms don’t work! That means many families are living with a false sense of security. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur without warning, and the consequences can be devastating, from serious illness to death.
A Personal Story and a Mission
At the summit, I had the privilege of meeting Charon McNabb, who holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and is the founder of the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA). Charon’s personal experience with low-level carbon monoxide poisoning led her to launch the organization, which advocates for increased awareness about the chronic and acute effects of CO poisoning. You can learn more about her mission at www.ncoaa.us.
Symptoms of Low-Level Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Many of us don’t realize the serious effects of low-level carbon monoxide exposure. Here are some symptoms that could signal chronic exposure:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Confusion or memory problems
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Vision problems
- Muscle weakness
These symptoms can be easily mistaken for other conditions, but could be signs of CO poisoning. Please take the time to learn more about this issue and how you can protect your home.
Why Measuring Is Critical
As a chemist, the NCI’s motto—“If you don’t measure, you’re just guessing”—resonated with me. Accurate measurement is crucial, especially when it comes to protecting your home from carbon monoxide. That’s why it’s important to have functioning CO detectors and to regularly inspect your fossil fuel appliances.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips for Fall
Here are some vital steps you can take to ensure your home stays safe this fall:
- Use generators at least 20 feet away from your home. Never use them in enclosed spaces.
- Don’t idle your car in the garage, even with the door open. Get your car’s exhaust inspected regularly.
- Be cautious with gas-powered lawn tools—always use them in well-ventilated areas and never in a garage or shed.
- Get your fossil fuel appliances inspected—this includes furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and heaters.
- Even electric ovens can produce carbon monoxide if they aren’t kept clean. Make sure your oven is free of burnt food and debris.
- Check on your older neighbors to ensure they have functioning CO monitors, and replace any that are over 10 years old.
- Attach a personal carbon monoxide monitor to your child’s backpack for extra protection while they’re at school or during after-school activities.
- Double-check that schools and daycare centers have functioning CO detectors.
- Be mindful of tailgating—keep grills, generators, and idling cars away from tents and enclosed spaces to avoid CO buildup.
One of the most effective ways to protect your family is to invest in a personal carbon monoxide monitor. You can find affordable options at codetectors.com.
Preventative Maintenance
If you have oil, propane, or gas furnaces, boilers, water heaters, or other fossil fuel-burning appliances, make sure they are regularly inspected and maintained. Standard carbon monoxide alarms might not be enough—they often only trigger after high levels of CO exposure. Prevention and monitoring are the keys to keeping your family safe.
Upgrade to Heat Pumps for Enhanced Safety and Energy Efficiency
If you’re looking for a safer, more energy-efficient option for your home, consider upgrading to heat pumps. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling using electricity, significantly reducing the risks associated with fossil fuel appliances like gas furnaces and water heaters. Plus, NYSERDA offers excellent incentives and rebates to make the switch more affordable. Learn more about available rebates and incentives on the NYSERDA website.
Stay Safe This Fall
This fall, take a moment to assess your home’s carbon monoxide safety. Regular maintenance, clean appliances, and functional CO detectors are essential for ensuring a safe, comfortable, and healthy living environment.
Let’s keep each other safe!
