What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer—leading to hundreds of deaths each year in the United States. Learning how to prevent a deadly leak in your home is critical to keeping you and your loved ones healthy and safe.

Find a pro here in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, or Kansas with the help of Midwest Air Pros to address your indoor air quality (IAQ). We’ll help you find the right team of professionals to assist with protecting your home from hidden dangers—like carbon monoxide poisoning.

What Is Carbon Monoxide and What Happens If It Leaks Into My Home?

Carbon monoxide is a gas that comes from the fumes created by burning fuel in boilers, furnaces, water heaters, vehicles, gas stoves and ovens, grills, and fireplaces. Breathing in carbon monoxide is dangerous—it deprives your body of oxygen.

What Are the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning may cause you to feel faint, dizzy, confused, and sick. You may experience vomiting, chest pains, upper respiratory symptoms, or have trouble breathing. Symptoms are not always easy to recognize, especially if you’re asleep inside your Omaha home when exposed. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that accidental carbon monoxide poisoning leads to 400 deaths as well as over 20,000 emergency room visits and 4,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States. Take action to prevent this from happening to you and your loved ones.

What Can I Do to Prevent a Carbon Monoxide Leak?

Only use gas appliances as intended: Never turn on a stove or oven to provide heat—this can cause carbon monoxide to form and spread throughout your home in Wichita or Des Moines.
Do not burn charcoal inside your home. Burning charcoal in unventilated areas can result in dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Use charcoal on the outdoor grill or fire pit away from your home instead.
Always opt for professional installation of new systems. It’s critical to have gas appliances installed correctly. That includes your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Turn to an expert at Midwest Air Pros who can also ensure your HVAC equipment and appliances are properly vented to reduce the risk of a carbon monoxide leak.

Keep up with preventative maintenance services. Opt for professional maintenance services on your furnace, boiler, water heater, chimney, and other gas appliances at least once a year. Planned maintenance helps your systems operate more efficiently. It also allows your technician to catch any minor issues before they become costly repairs.

Keep all vents for your furnace or boiler, dryer, oven, and fireplace clear. Ensure nothing is blocking your vents. One of our professionals can perform a thorough inspection of your vents as well as provide routine cleanings. Search for a pro with Midwest Air Pros.
Install a carbon monoxide detector inside your home. Strategically place the alarm so you can hear it or wake up if asleep when carbon monoxide is detected. You and your loved ones can then get out of your Kansas City home safely and contact your local fire department or emergency services for help.

How Often Should I Replace My Carbon Monoxide Detector?

A carbon monoxide detector should last anywhere from five to seven years. You should test your carbon monoxide detector each month. Replace the batteries approximately every six months or whenever your detector reads low battery life.

Find a Pro to Help You Protect Your Home

Protect your family and home with professional heating and cooling installation in Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Omaha, NE, Springfield, MO, or Wichita, KS. Our network of professionals at Midwest Air Pros can address your needs and provide the high-quality service you deserve. Your comfort is our top priority.