Even though temperatures have warmed, testing carbon monoxide detectors is still an important home maintenance chore because carbon monoxide (CO) gas is a year-round hazard. CO detectors are your only defense against this highly toxic gas. CO has no smell, taste or color, and if the detectors don’t alert you to a buildup, you are vulnerable to a potentially deadly accumulation of this gas.
If your home has a gas water heater, dryer, heating system or an attached garage, you could be exposed to CO year-round. Even with the furnace off, CO levels can be unhealthy if the ductwork for a forced-air HVAC system has any leaks that can backdraft CO from vented gas appliances through the ducts and into your rooms.
Importance of Testing Carbon Monoxide Detectors
CO is so dangerous because it replaces the oxygen in the bloodstream and causes asphyxiation. People who are most at risk of even low exposures to CO include the elderly, anyone with heart or respiratory problems, and fetuses and young infants. If you use aging gas appliances, you may want to consider replacing the detectors with those that show periodic readings of CO levels throughout a 24-hour period to monitor appliance performance.
Testing the Detectors
All detectors have a test button that will beep or chirp when it’s pressed down. You may need to wait a few seconds for it to sound. If it doesn’t, replace the battery. If it still doesn’t work, replace the CO detector. You should periodically check the batteries for hard-wired detectors, since they rely on a battery-backup to work when the power is out. It’s a good idea to check the batteries monthly for full protection year-round.
Preventing CO Indoors
Having your gas heating system maintained by a professional annually reduces your risk of CO exposure. If you ever notice a gas appliance burning with a primarily yellow flame, it indicates the appliance is creating CO and needs immediate service.
To learn more about testing carbon monoxide detectors, contact Detmer and Sons, providing outstanding HVAC services for Dayton-area homeowners since 1980.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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