As a service to you and our community, I want to answer your questions so you can make educated and more informed decisions when it comes to your energy, comfort needs and saving money.
Dear Steve,I have been reading a lot about the importance of installing a carbon monoxide detector. How important is this really as we live in a fairly new home? Someone also mentioned a new law about this.
Signed, I value your opinion here in Topton
Dear Opinion Seeker,Thank you for asking what I believe to be a very important question whether your home is old or new. Let me state a few facts for you and the question may answer itself. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels – such as gas, oil, coal & wood stoves, oil burners, gas fires, water heaters, car exhaust and open fires.
Toxic amounts can enter your home due to: poor installation and maintenance of appliances and heating equipment; improper burning of fuel or poor ventilation.
Low or moderate levels of CO exposure can result in symptoms that may be confused with the flu. Persistent headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, convulsions, mental confusion or fainting spells have been known in the presence of CO.
Persons suffering from heart or respiratory health problems, infants, and small children, pregnant women, elderly and pets can be affected with poisoning quicker and may show symptoms sooner.
Those are some of the facts surrounding carbon monoxide which is sometimes called the “silent killer.” The steps to minimize the risk are simple. Scheduling regular inspections and tune-ups of equipment by a licensed professional is essential. Proper ventilation for fume venting is another reason to have a professional do the job.
Always operate equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep chimneys clear of debris. Never leave a car running in an attached garage or carport. Don’t use your gas oven to heat your home.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that every home have at least one CO detector. This will set off an alarm when a high level of CO is invading the air.
To demonstrate the importance of having a CO detector in your home, the PA Legislature has passed The new Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Law which goes into effect June 2015 and requires owners of multi -family residential building to install carbon monoxide alarms in every unit of their properties. For a small investment, you and your family can sleep soundly at night knowing they are protected.
E-mail your questions to Info@MoyerComfort.com for the ASK STEVE column. Steve Moyer, licensed Master Plumber, EPA Certified HVAC Tech and President of Moyer Total Indoor Comfort will answer questions and give expert advice based on his 30+ years of experience in the field. www.moyercomfort.com.
