How to Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide can be produce by a different number of sources, including furnaces for heating, wood stoves, fireplaces, a clogged chimney or improper venting in your garage.Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic flu symptoms, so you might not even realize you are being poisoned by carbon monoxide until it's too late. Carbon monoxide detectors, when properly placed, will warn you of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the air.

Step1:
Check with your local codes to find if there are any specific requirements for carbon monoxide detectors and their placement.

Step2:
Look for a carbon monoxide detector that records the amount of gas present in the air.

Step3:
Like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors can be battery operated or plug into the AC; various models come with test buttons, visual indicators of the alarm and features to let you know when the battery needs to be replaced.

Step4:
Always follow the manufactures instructions and local codes when installing a carbon monoxide detector.

Step5:
The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to keep all your appliances and utilities maintained. Be sure to have your furnace chimney and fireplace chimney cleaned regularly. A smart home is a safe home.