Friday, December 3, 2010

Carbon Monoxide and its Characteristics

By Suzanne Rice


Most people do not know it but carbon monoxide is present in their homes in different quantities. All fuel burning gadgets that we use in our homes to produce heat or to energize our homes produces carbon monoxide and becomes dangerous when they leak either from the appliance itself or thru the plumbing.

At the same time, our car, generator sets, lawn mowers and other motors and engines also emit the deadly gas every time we turn on the ignition.Properly functioning appliances produce just a little amount of carbon dioxide to do any harm. Mostly, it just mixes with the air and disperses harmlessly. But an improperly fitted and poorly maintained appliance is the main causes of carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is next to impossible to smell, feel and see carbon monoxide gas. These attributes are what makes this poisonous gas more dangerous. Since most residences have several carbon monoxide producing gadgets, it is necessary to take all available steps to prevent carbon monoxide related accidents. A thorough inspection of your home appliances should be your initial step.

When the level of intoxication is high, victims can die in their sleep without even knowing about the leak. Prevention is the best defense against the dangers of carbon monoxide. Regular appliance repairs and plumbing reviews are recommended by the BBB or the Better Business Bureau. The cost of regular maintenance is definitely worth it considering the risk involved.

Makers of these appliances are willing to provide maintenance checks for free and may even add parts within the warranty period of their products. Even beyond the guarantee period, they can provide the best service since they understand their own products better than others.

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

In Bridgeville, PA, most common complaints about leaking appliances are caused by improperly installed devices.Air shafts and chimneys have to be cleaned to avoid obstructions and permit the free flow of air. Smokestacks have to be swept at least once a year to remove soot and dust buildup that can clog up the passage that can result to the increase in pressure and an eventual leakage indoors.

Regular preventive maintenance might look costly at first glance but a closer study of this option shows that it is cheaper than a major repair that can result from poorly maintained equipment. Since carbon dioxide is a toxic substance and every household is considered in harms way because of the appliances that we are using, prevention is always a better option. A carbon monoxide detector combined with regular appliance maintenance will give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are safe.




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