Simply Service Company

More often than I like, I see news stories of families and pets who have died  due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Often, the furnace is suspected to be the problem. As a precaution, the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends having furnaces serviced annually.

The USFA describes CO as “the silent killer” because it is a gas that cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. It can be created when fossil fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, coal, natural gas, propane, methane or wood do not burn properly.

The Carbon Monoxide Safety Administration site shows a picture of a home highlighting potential sources of CO problems. Examples include improperly ventilated or malfunctioning furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces and stoves. The site also warns against burning charcoal, alcohol or gasoline in an enclosed tent, camper or room. Smoking cigars, cigarettes or pipes is also linked to CO poisoning.

Several types of residential carbon monoxide detectors are available. Examples include CO alarms for the ceiling, combination smoke and CO alarms and plug-in multi-gas detectors.Consumer Reports offers a “CO & smoke alarm buying guide”. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights that CO detectors must be used in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to read the instructions that come with the unit and keep them on file with other important household records.

In addition to discussing information related to possible CO exposure from everyday household fuel-burning, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offers tips for protection related to emergency generators and boating.

Just call me at 615-306-0375 and I’ll come do a free inspection for you!