Angie's List Tips > January 2009 > How to minimize carbon monoxide risks

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How to minimize carbon monoxide risks

Posted: 1/29/2009 11:27:23 AM | 3 comments
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas. It is produced as the by-product of all combustion processes, so any fuel-fired appliance, vehicle, tool or other device has the potential to produce dangerous levels of CO.

When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little CO. But improperly maintained or operated appliances or backdrafting appliances can produce fatal CO concentrations in the home.

Here are Angie's tips to minimizing CO risks:
  • Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.
  • Never use unvented fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.
  • Never leave a vehicle running in an attached garage. And minimize the amount of time the vehicle is in the garage when you start it each morning, even with the garage door open. Move the vehicle out as soon as possible after starting.
  • Have a competent contractor service your fuel-fired appliances on a regular basis (every one to two years).
  • Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens or clothes dryers for heating your home.
  • Be sure never to operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room without adequate ventilation or in any room where people are sleeping.
  • Do not use, or service, gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors or in attached garage.


Comments
Tom Russo
Great info, Dave! Many people might not even realize that some states and cities already require CO alarms like here in Chicago and the rest of IL. A few extra tips that were left out: Be sure to open the flue for adequate ventilation when using your fireplace. Inspect the pilot lights on natural gas appliances to ensure that the flame is blue. When a flame is mostly yellow in color, it likely is producing CO.
2/24/2009 7:05:46 PM
Angie's List Staff
Thanks for the expert advice, Dave!
2/17/2009 3:23:29 PM
Dave Bradshaw
I am A heating contractor, you missed one of the most important items. Get a suitable CO detector and LEARN WHAT TO DO WHEN IT GOES OFF! Many people simply remove the batteries from these lifesaving devices because they don't know the device is trying to earn them. They assume the unit is defective or has a low battery. If in doubt CALL 911 or your local fire dept, or fuel provider imediatly get to a ventalated area untill it has been confirmed as safe! A CO alarm IS an emergency, CO IS DEADLY, All CO alarms should be replaced every 5 years, and the batteries tested every few months, keep the manuals, and READ them, they tell you where the alarm should be mounted and what the alarm is trying to tell you as it screams, or beeps. If you lose the manual, email the manufacturer for a free replacement, or BUY a new one. Your life is worth the $30-$40 price tag! The above link goes to the CDC site on CO, it's worth your time!
2/17/2009 2:17:53 PM
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