Carbon Monoxide is a very serious issue and a threat to homeowners. Carbon Monoxide or “CO” is an odorless and colorless gas that can kill you. It is found in fumes produced by burning fuel in cars or trucks, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, and furnaces. Because of the many ways that CO can enter your home, here are four ways you can prevent carbon monoxide leaks in your home. 

Get A Carbon Monoxide Detector

Like a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector is designed to detect the colorless and odorless gas that is CO. By installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector you can avoid the fear of not knowing if there is CO in your home. Be sure to check and change your batteries regularly. A good time to check your batteries is when you reset your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

carbon monoxide detector in hand
Photo by Ralf Geithe/Shutterstock

Check Your Appliances

Another way to prevent carbon monoxide leaks is to get your gas appliances checked. Heating systems, water heaters, and any other gas oil or coal-burning appliances should be checked and or serviced by an experienced technician on a yearly or regular basis.

Related: 3 Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality

Install Proper Ventilation

For all of your gas appliances, it’s important that you have proper ventilation. This can come in the form of ventilation hoods or other various ways to move the gas out of the living space. Make sure you speak with an expert technician to ensure your home is up to code.

Have Your Chimney Serviced

If your home has a chimney, one way to prevent carbon monoxide leaks is to make sure you have the chimney checked and cleaned. It’s important to make sure your chimney flue is cleaned on a yearly basis, before you start using your chimney again for the season.

Preventing carbon monoxide leaks is incredibly important not only for your safety but for the safety of your family. Make sure to take these tips seriously and if you need assistance contact the local experts in your area.