Testing for carbon monoxide (CO) is essential for homes with a natural gas supply. Being dubbed the silent killer, it is understandable why you would want to be ready in case your home had a CO leak.
Regular appliance testing is necessary if you use natural gas or have a heater that burns wood. Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that is produced while burning, is invisible, flavorless, and odorless. Without an air test or the installation of a CO detector, it is impossible to detect.
That’s why gas appliances such as space heaters and log fires require an exhaust fan, and traditional fireplaces need a chimney. All of these appliances and devices are potentially dangerous without the correct ventilation. Carbon monoxide testing is essential if you’re after additional protection and awareness.
Let’s take a closer look at signs of carbon monoxide leaks and poisoning and the best ways to detect the presence of a CO leak in your home.
Are You Suffering from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Without having a temperature, you may have carbon monoxide poisoning if you have flu-like symptoms. The severity will depend on how intense the CO leak is because high exposure levels will stress your body more than a slow leak will.
If you see any of the symptoms listed below, leave your house right away. Call the emergency services or your doctor if you are feeling very ill. Simply twisting the valve horizontally at the meter box will switch off your mains gas supply as well. Additionally, turn off all gas appliances inside the home first.
To determine if there is a CO leak in your home, you will likely be suffering from the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chest pains
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Stomach pains, nausea, vomiting
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
While different symptoms vary in severity, others aren’t present at all. If everyone at the home becomes ill at the same time, including pets, it is also a cause for concern. If something appears off when a gas appliance is running, be careful to take immediate action.
SIGNS OF A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK
Even if you haven’t installed a carbon monoxide detector or performed carbon monoxide testing, you may still keep an eye out for potential CO leak indications. When using fuel-burning machinery, it’s crucial to know what to watch for, such as:
- Around your gas range or fireplace, there may be soot traces or marks.
- A buildup of smoke when using a wood fireplace (a clean chimney should always have an upward draft).
- An accumulation of condensation on windows near gas appliances.
- Flames that are yellow or orange on a gas stove. Burners that are functioning properly should produce a blue flame.
- The pilot light frequently blows out or flickers.
Different Testing Methods for CO Leaks
You can check your house for carbon monoxide in a number of ways. Even if you don’t notice any indications of a CO leak, it should nevertheless be continuously checked. Carbon monoxide gas doesn’t taste or smell like natural gas or LPG (liquid petroleum gas). Unfortunately, before you notice a leak, it has negatively affected your health.
WAYS TO CONDUCT A CARBON MONOXIDE TEST
Electronic Carbon Monoxide Detector
Like a smoke alarm, this kind of CO detector can be hard-wired into your electrical system. Electronic carbon monoxide detectors frequently also detect heat and smoke, among other things. Every floor of your home should have carbon monoxide detectors if you decide to install them. Because CO is lighter than air, they should be mounted high on the wall.
Carbon Monoxide Detector That Runs On Batteries
Every floor of your house can have one of these devices installed, and you can pick a model that can also detect heat and smoke. A battery-operated device has the benefit of continuing to operate during a power outage, but be careful to routinely replace the batteries.
Carbon Monoxide Portable Meter
Near all gas-powered appliances, a portable CO detector might be helpful for carbon monoxide testing. It’s a convenient approach to inspect each room of the house. You can choose a battery-powered model of these devices or a hardwired model with a battery backup.
Expert Carbon Monoxide Air Testing
Testing for carbon monoxide can be done in a number of ways by HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) professionals. A professional will most frequently measure CO levels using an ambient air tester, which provides a digital readout. Another approach is a pump-driven analyzer, which is extremely effective in identifying the problematic appliance. The most potent tool is a combustion analyzer, which measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the air in addition to detecting leaks of carbon monoxide (CO).
Litmus Test
A chemical indicator, like litmus paper, can be used. The presence of carbon monoxide is shown by the litmus paper turning blue.
Should I Do a Carbon Monoxide Test?
Simply said, you must check for carbon monoxide gas if your home uses gas-powered appliances or wood-burning heaters. If you don’t have a CO detector, get your appliances and equipment checked out right away by an HVAC expert.
Make sure you do carbon monoxide testing if you use any of the following:
- -Gas stove
- -Gas-powered clothes dryer
- -Gas water heater
- -Gas-powered fireplace
- -Wood-burning fireplace
- -Wood-burning stove
- -Portable fuel-burning heaters
- -Charcoal/gas grills
Never leave a vehicle running in a connected garage. Additionally, devices made for the outdoors, such as barbecues and outdoor heaters, are not intended for use within. Always adhere to manufacturer recommendations. Useless or broken gas equipment should never be used.
For the benefit of your family, deciding to install CO detectors or arrange for carbon monoxide testing might be a life-saving choice that should be made right away.
For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, give us a call at 888-SMILE11 or email us at sales@homesmiles.com.
