You may know that Carbon Monoxide (CO) is dangerous, but do you know the specific risks associated with CO and the key differences between CO and natural gas? Understanding Carbon Monoxide and natural gas leaks is essential to your health and safety, and can save your life.
Natural Gas and CO Differences
At Owens, we’ve always put safety first. When we found that our competitors were using fear tactics during commission based “safety” inspections, we made sure that our customers knew the differences between natural gas and CO. It’s such an important topic that we’re revisiting it this year.
CO and natural gas leaks are different
Natural gas will make itself known through a powerful sulfuric (egg like) smell. If the smell is slight, ventilate the area and ensure that your pilot light is off. Contact your gas company immediately for further instruction. If the smell is intense, leave your home straightaway and dial 911.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is odorless, and can build up in any space where fuel is burned. In Minnesota, approved carbon monoxide alarms are required in all dwellings due to its invisible nature.
Bodily Risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CO poisoning can produce flu like symptoms, including “headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion”. In extreme cases, CO poisoning can lead to death, especially in times of sleep. While all ages are at risk of being poisoned by CO, children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. Those with chronic health conditions should be especially diligent.
Prevalence and Prevention
CO poisoning should not be taken lightly. The CDC states that over 20,000 Americans visit the emergency room annually due to the affects of Carbon Monoxide, with over 5,000 being hospitalized. Sadly, 400-500 Americans lose their lives due to CO poisoning every year. CO poisoning can be prevented. To ensure that you and your loved ones are safe, check that all CO detectors are functioning properly and able to detect low levels of CO. At Owens, we recommend (and carry) the NSI 3000 from the National Comfort Institute because of its ability to detect harmful CO levels that other detectors miss.
A monitor that detects CO levels early can be the difference between life and death for sensitive populations, and is indispensable. Monitors sold in big box stores simply can’t detect low levels of CO in the home, and can allow for a build up of harmful CO for hours before alerting you. The NSI 3000 is different. With its continuous scan features and CO detection as low as 5 parts per million, we endorse them because we know they keep families safe through accurate and sensitive detection of CO in your home.
Proper maintenance
Regardless of what detectors you choose, make certain that they are replaced every five years, and positioned close to sleeping areas. To avoid a build up of CO in your home in the first place, proper maintenance of your systems is imperative too. Since we don’t work on commission, we will always give you honest advice as to any repairs or replacements needed to your systems and put your safety first.
At Owens, we care deeply about our communities. Contact us today if you have any concerns, require maintenance or would like to order a NSI 3000 CO detector. We’re here to help.
Ask any homeowner and they would agree that keeping their house safe from carbon monoxide is important, yet the gas still poisons more than 20,000 people each year; killing more than 500. Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide detectors are a smart idea and are also required by law. Families with children and the elderly are especially sensitive to the gas. Most people will purchase a carbon monoxide detector at their local home improvement store and expect it work, but the truth is, these detectors may not be sensitive enough to alert you or your loved ones are in danger.
How do I know if I’m safe from Carbon Monoxide?This colorless-odorless gas cannot be detected without a device. CO concentration levels are measured in Parts Per Million (ppm). The typical carbon monoxide detector purchased at your local hardware store doesn’t alarm until 70-77 parts per million — when it may already be TOO LATE. We believe every home should have low-level carbon monoxide detectors that will alarm at 15 ppm.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” The most common symptoms of a poisoning are:
Dull headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Upset stomach
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Blurred vision
Chest pain
Confusion
Does Owens Companies sell carbon monoxide detectors?Yes! Owens Companies sells low-level CO detectors for your home or office.
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