For most people, when they consider San Diego heating repair services, they jump to thoughts of a broken furnace or AC unit. However, there are some fixes that are even more important than fixing your system for comfort – such as fixes to keep you and your family healthy and safe.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless poisonous gas that can cause sudden illness and even death if left undetected in a home. More than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year with 10 times as many being hospitalized for the condition.
Carbon monoxide occurs in a variety of heat-invoking mechanics, such as gas ranges, heating systems, stoves, and more; since almost every home has these appliances, everyone is susceptible.
How Does Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Happen
The poisoning occurs because, within the human bloodstream, red blood cells accept carbon monoxide (CO) more quickly than they do oxygen – because of this, if there is an excess of CO in the air, the human body is at risk to replace oxygen in the blood with CO. Since the red blood cells have already accepted CO, there is no room for the oxygen that the cells are supposed to take in, damaging tissue or combining with proteins in the tissue which can then result in death.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Symptoms
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are fairly clear, but could potentially be confused with a more common infection, such as the flu – symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Chest pains
While anyone in a CO-polluted environment is at risk of CO poisoning, there are some groups that are more highly susceptible than others, including infants, unborn babies, and people suffering from anemia, respiratory issues, or chronic heart disease.
How San Diego Heating Contractors Can Protect Your Family
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a mostly preventable occurrence. Have a licensed San Diego heating professional inspect your heating system and gas; oil; or coal-burning appliances once each year. Additionally, if you have a gas refrigerator, be cognizant of any odor being emitted from the cooling unit; this may indicate a CO presence – a contractor can evaluate your system.
There are also several things that you can do to protect your home. When you purchase appliances and equipment that run on gas, only purchase units that carry a national testing agency seal. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. We can provide these or you can find them at most hardware and general purpose. The best detectors will have battery backup and some are even installed as part of the home’s smoke detectors. Have your home’s chimney cleaned every year and follow safe cooking and heating guidelines.
For additional information about how to prevent CO poisoning, visit https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm. To have your home assessed and evaluated by a qualified San Diego heating contractor, call us at (866) 374-0402 or request an appointment online.