Sunday, November 21, 2010

Getting Professional Help on Your Carbon Monoxide Problems

By Barbara Munoz


Carbon monoxide is a treacherous gas because it is difficult to be aware of its presence until the damage has been done. This odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas is the unwanted result of incomplete burning of fossil-based fuels.

Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are the byproducts of incomplete oxidation and combustion when carbon rich fossil fuels are burned to produce energy. Carbon dioxide is the culprit that is being blamed for the global warming and climate change, while carbon monoxide is the hard to detect toxic gas that can cause flu associated health symptoms like nausea, headache, general feeling of weakness and even death.

Carbon monoxide can leak from furnaces, gas stoves, and water heaters in residential buildings. You should regularly maintain not only the appliance but the plumbing as well. Plumbing reviews in Bridgeville PA are done by professionals and includes checking the seals as well. A small leak can cause flue like symptoms like nausea, dizziness and headaches on the inhabitants. A large leak can be fatal in just a short time if the victim does not receive immediate and proper medical attention.

The BBB also warns about a scam in Bridgeville, PA, wherein individuals claiming to be licensed contractors offering to inspect your system including a plumbing review for a very low price. They later on would say that your house is unsafe and give you a long list of expensive things that have to be done urgently. Do business only with 'licensed' contractors to avoid this scam.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends that Vents and chimneys be inspected by a heating or plumbing contractor to be sure that the airway are not blocked and free from dust or soot buildup. Gas and ventilation plumbing reviews should be performed at least once every year.

Installation and maintenance of heating furnace, water heaters, air conditioning system should be left to professional and licensed HVAC, and plumbing contractors. They can be relied to follow government regulations as compared to your regular household repair person because they have licenses to protect and want to avoid customer complaints.

Installing an effective carbon monoxide detector will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in a significant way. There are various types available from the simple biomimetic model that changes color in the presence of carbon monoxide fumes, to more intricate types like an electronic detector that takes air samples to identify the presence of the silent killer in your home. There is vibrating pillow version that awakens you if there is a gas leak.

Experts recommend installing a gas detector within 15 feet if the room entrance. Large and multi storied houses could require installing more of these devices. The type of gas detector should depend on the presumed risks possible within the particular space. There are devices that can detect carbon monoxide alone but there are models that have multiple gas detection capabilities, including smoke detection. Each gas detector should ideally have long battery life and the warning mechanism to remind the homeowner when to change batteries. Complaints about faulty gas detectors should be filed with your local BBB. Carbon monoxide is a real and treacherous risk of modern living. Taking precautionary measures to protect yourself and your family is the most prudent thing to do.




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