Friday, December 3, 2010

Keeping Your Home Protected from the Perils Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

By Corey Fernandez


Carbon monoxide is present in different quantities in almost all homes. That is because this toxic chemical compound is the unwanted result whenever we create heat by burning carbon rich fuels or turn on an engine that runs on petrol based products. Our water heaters, kerosene and gas furnace, boilers, gas stove and wood stove all produce carbon monoxide whenever we use them.

Automobiles and all motors that use petrol based products as fuel also emit carbon dioxide during the combustion process.Small leaks are not much of a problem because it can just break up in the air and do no harm. But when the volume of leak is high, it can cause oxygen deprivation on vital organs of the body which can cause permanent damage and can even be fatal without immediate medical attention. Without proper ventilation, even small leaks can collect indoors and cause health problems that are often thought to be flu.

When the house involved lacks proper ventilation, even a little volume of leak can cause health damage when the leak remains undetected over time. Flu like symptoms like headache, vomiting and shortness of breath are the most often complaints. Carbon dioxide intoxication can be fatal when the volume is high and the victim is not given immediate medical care.

The BBB or Better Business Bureau urges annual appliance checks and plumbing reviews. The bureau also recommends hiring only licensed HVAC and plumbing contractors to do the job to ensure that the inspection is done correctly and avoid scams.

Luckily, there are several things that a homeowner can do to protect himself and his family. The BBB in a recent recommendation urged regular repair schedules on appliances and machineries that produce carbon monoxide. Plumbing reviews must be done together with such maintenance checks. Most appliance manufacturers provide scheduled maintenance that can also include replacement parts during the guarantee period. Experts in fact recommend calling them to do the maintenance even after the guarantee period because they understand their products better than other technicians.

It is also important to call the service technician once you become aware of any malfunctioning in any of the fuel burning appliance at home. Especially when you suspect that there are some leaks involved, you should avoid using these appliances until they are inspected. Do things right from the start by having a professional install new appliances, especially those that can produce carbon monoxide. Fitting heating devices in particular involves a lot of technicalities that are better left in the hands of a professional HVAC contractor

An improperly installed appliance is one of the biggest causes of carbon monoxide leaks and other accidents. Fitting a new appliance that produces carbon monoxide as a by product needs the expertise of a professional HVAC and plumbing contractor. In Bridgeville, PA, authorities recommend hiring only licensed contractors to get the best possible service in installing and maintaining your appliances and avoid scams.

Air vents and smokestacks must be subjected to regular cleaning to remove dust, soot and other objects that can block the free flow of exhaust fumes to the outside. Special consideration must be accorded to the joints to check the gaskets and seals where carbon monoxide can leak. Calling a qualified technician to fit new appliances and doing regular repairs and maintenance checks on your appliances cost money, but the price you paid is definitely worth every penny considering the harm that carbon monoxide can do.




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