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Carbon Monixide and Home Heating 3 of 3

Hopefully, you are now more aware of Carbon Monoxide and the effects it can have on you and your family.  Being CO aware is very important.  We have already went over what CO is and how it can be prevented.  Now on our final post, we will go over how it can be detected.

"Can CO be detected?

Yes, CO can be detected with CO detectors that meet the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2034.

Since the toxic effect of CO is dependent upon both CO concentration and length of exposure, long-term exposure to a low concentration can produce effects similar to short term exposure to a high concentration.

Detectors should measure both high CO concentrations over short periods of time and low CO concentrations over long periods of time - the effects of CO can be cumulative over time.  The detectors also sound an alarm before the level of CO in a person's blood would become crippling.  CO detectors that meet the UL 2034 standard currently cost between $35 - $80.

Where should the detectors be installed?
CO gases distribute evenly and fairly quickly throughout the house; therefore, a CO detector should be installed on the wall or ceiling in sleeping area/s but outside individual bedrooms to alert occupants who are sleeping.

Aren't there safety devices already on some appliances? And if so, why is a CO detector needed?

Vent safety shutoff systems have been required on furnaces and vented heaters since the late 1980s.  They protect against blocked or disconnected vents or chimneys.  Oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) have also been installed on unvented gas space heaters since the 1980s.  ODS protect against the production of CO caused by insufficient oxygen for proper combustion.  These devises (ODS and vent safety shutoff systems) are not a substitute for regular professional servicing, and many older, potentially CO-producing appliances may not have such devices.  Therefore, a CO detector is still important in any home as another line of defense.

Are there other CO detectors that are less expensive?

There are inexpensive cardboard or plastic detectors that change color and do not sound an alarm and have a limited useful life.  They require the occupant to look at the devise to determine if CO is present.  CO concentrations can build up rapidly while occupants are asleep, and these devices would not sound an alarm to wake them." © Inspections by Jesse

Remember there is nothing more important them you family and friends.  You want to protect them in any and every way possible.  Be sure to be safe and protect them with the best detectors out there.  

Have a safe and happy New Years!!
Northwest Comfort Systems

Carbon Monixide and Home Heating 2 of 3

If you haven't read part 1, I really encourage you to do so in order to understand what Carbon Monoxide is and what the symptoms are. 

The second part of this informative piece is in regards to how to prevent production dangerous levels of carbon monoxide by proper appliance maintenance, installation and use.

"Maintenance:

• A qualified service technician should check your home's central and room heating appliances (including water heaters and dryers) annually.  The technician should look a the electrical and mechanical components of appliances, such as thermostat controls & automatic safety devices.
• Chimneys and flues should be checked for blockages, corrosion, and loose connections
• Individual appliances should be serviced regularly.  Kerosene and gas space heaters (vented and unvented) should be cleaned and inspected to insure proper operation.
• CPSC recommends finding a reputable service company in the phone book or asking your utility company to suggest a qualified service technician. "  We also suggest that you check bbb.org and angie's list because they run background checks and you can see specific reviews from past customers.

"Installation:

• Proper installation is critical to the safe operation of combustion appliances.  All new appliances have installation instructions that should be followed exactly.  Local building codes should be followed as well.
• Vented appliances should be vented properly, according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Adequate combustion air should be provided to assure complete combustion.
• All combustion appliances should be installed by professionals."  Once again we highly suggest that you go to bbb.org and angie's list to find an installer to insure that you and your family are getting the quality installation you deserve.

"Appliance Use:
         Follow manufacturer's directions for safe operation.

• Make sure the room where an unvented gas or kerosene space heater is used is well ventilated; doors leading to another room should be open to insure proper ventilation.

Never use an unvented combustion heater overnight or in a room where you are sleeping.
Are there signs that might indicate improper appliance operation?
        Yes, these are:

• Decreasing hot water supply
• Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly
• Sooting, especially, on appliances
• Unfamiliar or burning odor
• Increased condensation inside windows

Are there visible signs that might indicate a CO problem?
         Yes, these are:

• Improper connections on vents and chimneys
• Visible rust or stains on vents and chimneys
• An appliance that makes unusual sounds or emits an unusual smell
• An appliance that keeps shutting off (Many new appliances have safety components attached that prevent operation if an unsafe condition exists.  If an appliance stops operating, it may be because a safety device is preventing a dangerous condition.  Therefore, don't try to operate an appliance that keeps shutting off; call a service professional instead.

Are there ways to prevent CO poisoning?
        Yes, these are:

• Never use a range or oven to heat the living area of the home
• Never use charcoal grill or hibachi in the home
• Never keep a car running in an attached garage"

Remember that there are many things around your home that can cause CO2 poisoning but there are many things you can do to prevent them.  It is very important to keep all your gas appliances checked and maintained annually to ensure a safe environment for you and your family.

Carbon Monoxide and Home Heating Appliances 1 of 3

Most homeowners don't realize the affect of carbon monoxide.  It is so important to have CO detectors in several locations throughout your home to keep you and your family safe.  I will be posting 3 blogs in regards to this important topic.  Please be sure to read all 3!

"What is carbon monoxide (CO) and how is it produced in the home?

CO is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas.  It is produced by the incomplete combustion of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels.  Appliances fueled with gas,  oil, kerosene, or wood may produce CO.  If such appliances are not installed, maintained and used properly, CO may accumulate to dangerous levels.

What are the systems of CO poisoning and why are these symptoms particularly dangerous?
Breathing CO causes symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and weakness in healthy people.  CO also causes sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and disorientation.  At very high levels, it causes loss of consciousness and death.

This is particularly dangerous because CO effects are not recognized.  CO is odorless and some of the systems of CO poisoning are similar to the flu or other common illnesses.


Are some people more affected by exposure to CO than others?
CO exposures especially affect unborn babies, infants, and people with anemia or a history of hear disease.  Breathing low levels of the chemical can cause fatigue and increase chest pain in people with chronic hear disease.

Quick notes:

# of People treated each year = 5,000
Last stats on deaths (1989) = 220 from gas fired appliances, 30 from charcoal grills, 45 from liquid-fueled heaters. "

© 2013 Inspections by Jesse

 

With all of this said, it is very important to have CO detectors in your home if you have any type of these appliances.  It is also very important to have these appliances (such as your gas furnaces) checked and tested by a licensed professional every year.

 

Please be sure to read our next two posts in regards to CO!

Northwest Comfort Systems

Northwest Comfort Systems Receives 2012 Best of Auburn Award

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Northwest Comfort Systems Receives 2012 Best of Auburn Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
NEW YORK, NY, April 23, 2012 -- For the third consecutive year, Northwest Comfort Systems has been selected for the 2012 Best of Auburn Award in the Air Conditioning & Heating Service category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Nationwide, only 1 in 120 (less than 1%) 2012 Award recipients qualified as Three-Time Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com
URL: http://www.uscaaward.com

Power outages

Did you know?? During long power outages (more than 24 hours), if you have a heat pump, you need to switch your thermostat to emergency heat and leave it there for 12 hours after the electricity comes back on. This delay prevents compressor damage by allowing time for the crank case heater on the compressor to boil off any liquid refrigerant before the compressor is started. Take time to review your owner's manuals for specifics about your heat pump and your thermostat!

The new communicating, wireless, 2wire, 3wire and zoning systems do not allow the customers to shut off or put their thermostats and sensors into emergency heat during a power outage.  The display on most of these models go blank during a power outage making the switch impossible until the power comes back on and it is too late!  So, if you have one of these, you need to turn the breaker to the outdoor unit off.  When power comes back on, you can switch the thermostat to emergency heat then reapply the power to the heat pump.  After the recommended time by the manufacture has elapsed then you can turn your thermostat back to the auto mode.