Carbon Monoxide Testing – ALLSTAR Air Conditioning & Heating

In-Home Carbon Monoxide Inspection Helps Prevent Accidental Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the quiet killer. It is a gas that has no color, taste, or smell and it is produced with fuels that do not completely combust. The fuel may be oil, gas, wood, or coal and is used in engines, gas fires, boilers, open fires, and gas exhaust among others. In addition, it can be created through chemical reactions that occur during the decomposition process of organic materials. When appliances are improperly installed or maintained, carbon monoxide can accumulate. In addition, if the ventilation is poor, the levels can accumulate and cause health problems.

When carbon monoxide enters the lungs when a person breathes, it actually takes the place of oxygen in the bloodstream. This interrupts the supply of oxygen to the brain, heart, and other organs. It can affect people differently depending on the length of exposure and how often a person is exposed, so effects range from nausea and shortness of breath to dizziness and fainting spells. If the levels of exposure are particularly high, carbon monoxide can quickly cause death.

Exposure to carbon monoxide tends to increase in the fall and winter months, most likely because people are inside near heaters, gas furnaces and fireplaces in their homes. One of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning during the colder months is to have a heating company do a complete in-home carbon monoxide inspection. When you are looking for a company to do your inspection, it is important that they test your home thoroughly.

Any company that you bring in to inspect for carbon monoxide should test your heater to make sure it is not leaking or spilling gas into any confined living areas. They should also look at how the venting or exhaust is working. If your furnace or wood burning stove is not properly venting, there could be a higher than safe concentration of carbon monoxide inside the home. In addition to testing the leakage and exhaust, the company should do a test to measure the actual levels of carbon monoxide in the living areas so that you can be assured that they are not higher than standards dictate.

In addition to a home inspection you can make sure that your home is properly ventilated by checking flues and vents to make sure they remain clear. Never leave an idling car in a closed garage, and always open the door before you turn the car on and after it has been turned off. You can keep your family safe by working to prevent poisoning by carbon monoxide.

Why call Allstar Air Conditioning & Heating for carbon monoxide testing and preventative services?

The experienced heating and air conditioning technicians at Allstar Air Conditioning & Heating have been professionally trained for carbon monoxide testing. We know how to test for carbon monoxide leakage on each appliance and know how to assess risk factors for potential leaks on each appliance. A great time to have your appliances tested for carbon monoxide risks is during your annual or semi-annual heating and air conditioning system maintenance.