As we move into the winter months, so we all start closing our windows and doors to prevent chilly drafts and turning on heaters to keep our homes warm. If your home has gas appliances, gas water heaters, gas heater/fireplace or wood-burning fireplace, this comes with a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some insights into this potentially deadly issue as well as how to prevent it.
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is a by-product that is produced when gas is burned by a stove, heater or appliance. The less efficient your appliance or heater is, the more carbon monoxide it will produce, which is why these appliances must be well manufactured, serviced and maintained. During the winter, when gas is used more often and there’s much less ventilation through the home (especially at night), this can build up to dangerous levels.
This is a colourless, odourless gas, so it’s easy to breathe in dangerous amounts without even noticing it. When it is breathed into the body, the red blood cells absorb it in the place of oxygen, poisoning our bodies and – in some cases – causing death.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to cold and flu symptoms and include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breathing problems
- Feeling weak
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Fatigue
Infants and small children, seniors and pets are especially vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning. If you or anyone in your home develops these symptoms, it’s best to open windows and get outside into the fresh air as soon as possible, and to call an ambulance if the symptoms are severe.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As with any type of poisoning or illness, prevention is always better than a cure! Fortunately, there’s are a few simple and inexpensive things you can do to ensure your home and family is safe.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors near any gas appliances or in rooms where fireplaces and gas heaters are used. Every year, before the winter, test the detectors so that you know they’re working.
- Always use professionals to install and maintain gas appliances. One of the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning is poor installation and maintenance of gas appliances and fireplaces, so rather call in professional gas fitters to ensure the job is done right the first time. They will make sure the pipes are properly attached, that the seals and taps are working properly, and that your appliance, heater or fireplace is operating at maximum efficiency with no leaks.
- Get a carbon monoxide test. Professional gas fitters can also perform carbon monoxide testing for you, which is a great annual service to have. This involves checking every appliance, heater and fireplace thoroughly for leaks or parts that need repair, ensuring that everything is working properly for the winter ahead.
Make Your Home Safe With Professional Gas Fitters in Melbourne
At AquaGas, we specialise in all aspects of gas fitment, from installing new appliances and fireplaces to maintaining your appliances and performing carbon monoxide testing. We’re a local, family-owned and operated business with over 15 years of industry experience, and no job is too big or too small for our team. To make your home secure against carbon monoxide leaks, contact us today and we’ll be onsite at your home as soon as possible.
