Recognizing Potential Sources of Carbon Monoxide in Your Home

There are some obvious threats in life. One example might be a thunderstorm whipping trees around in your yard dangerously close to your house. Another one might be driving on a windy road after the formation of ice from a deep freeze. These are the types of things we can see and take conscious efforts to manage any sort of damage control.

Unfortunately, there are also other threats like carbon monoxide that can’t be as easily detected. This gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless, with a long list of potential damages that it can cause after being exposed to it. It’s incredibly smart to put up carbon monoxide alarms in your house, but sometimes carbon monoxide or radon consulting in Aspen, CO can provide that extra bit of security from this unsuspecting danger. A good place to start is by considering some of the most common sources of this perplexing gas:

• Chimney: Before starting any sort of fire, make sure the chimney isn’t blocked or clogged for any reason. A clog could be caused by anything from a bird’s nest to soot. Without a clear opening, carbon monoxide can vent into your home rather than be directed to the outside.
• Furnace: Make sure your furnace has continuous maintenance to prevent a mechanical failure. A handful of routine problems or incorrect installation can produce carbon monoxide within your home. The burner and flue are two important things to keep in the best shape possible.
• Gas stoves: Sometimes gas stovetops in a kitchen aren’t properly vented, causing an obvious source of carbon monoxide. Regularly cleaning the top and burners will help to prevent potential buildup and encourage airflow. Make sure the air to fuel ratio is at the perfect level.
• Grills or barbecues: Even something as simple as smoldering embers from a grill can produce large amounts of carbon monoxide. Never use your grill or barbecue indoors, or even in your garage.
• Car in the garage: Another important garage item to keep under control is your car. It may seem like common sense, but you should never put yourself in a situation where you must leave your car running in the garage for an extended period of time. This is a scenario where carbon monoxide builds up fast.
• Water heater: Much like your furnace, a water heater that is improperly installed or damaged by flooding is a prime candidate for producing carbon monoxide. Keep an eye on the pilot light and perform regular maintenance to manage the fuel and air mixture. Any sort of blocked vent can be a serious concern if not addressed.

The above objects are just a handful of household items that can cause buildup or a leak of carbon monoxide. When looking for carbon monoxide or radon consulting in Aspen, CO, consider HealthSafe Inspections Inc. If it’s an initial test or the final remediation after a leak, we can provide everything you need. Early efforts to eliminate any traces of carbon monoxide are always something worth looking into.

Categorised in: Carbon Monoxide

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