Heating system safety tips: Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real risk in the winter time especially in homes where heating systems are old or poorly maintained. Read this important information from our heating system and boiler experts in New Jersey.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is highly toxic to humans and animals. Small children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions are the most vulnerable to this toxic gas. According to the Center for Disease Control, it is responsible for around 400 deaths and 20,000 trips to emergency rooms in the USA each year.
What symptoms should you watch out for? (H2)
Carbon monoxide poisoning causes flu-like symptoms, including headaches, weakness, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. Too much carbon monoxide can result in someone fainting or losing consciousness, which can then lead to brain damage and even death.
Where does the carbon monoxide originate? (H2)
If your heating system relies on burning fuel, such as natural gas, propane, kerosene, coal or wood, it should be using up that fuel completely each time it is in operation. However, damage, lack of maintenance and even age can make the burning process less effective, resulting in an incomplete burn that gives off carbon monoxide as a by-product. While boilers, furnaces and hot water heaters are commonly associated with this issue, blocked chimneys on fireplaces, room heaters, stoves and grills can also develop these problems. Lack of fresh air flow through your home in the winter will result in the carbon monoxide building up and reaching more dangerous levels.
What can I do to keep my home and family safe?
There are steps you can take as a homeowner to prevent this issue from occurring, including:
- Replacing old heating systems, including boilers, furnaces and water heaters.
- Having your heating systems regularly maintained by qualified technicians.
- Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home (and replacing these every 5 years).
- Have your heating system vents and chimneys cleaned once a year before the winter.
- Ensuring that installers put in sufficient venting for your replacement heating systems.
- Keeping generators outside of the home, basement or garage, and at least 20 feet from any vent or window.
Affordable heating system and boiler replacement services in NJ
If you would like to replace your home’s boiler or water heater with state-of-the-art heating systems, the specialists at Crosstown Plumbing Supply can assist you. With over 25 years of experience serving the New Jersey area, we’re the right plumbing supply company to help you choose the right replacement boiler, furnace or water heater for your needs.
As plumbing supply wholesalers, we stock high-efficiency boilers, cast iron boilers, water heaters, gas boilers and steam boilers from all leading brands. Customers can also benefit from our 3.5% NJ sales tax, making your home improvement project event more affordable.
To find out more about our boiler products, heating systems and services, please contact us or visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.
