There has been a chill in the air lately, reminding us that the inevitable cold weather of late fall and winter is coming….and the beginning of the heating season marks the most dangerous time of the year for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Since your furnace is the most likely source of a CO leak, consider this your reminder to check your furnace to make sure it is working properly…before the heating season begins…so you have time to fix it if necessary before you have an urgent problem.
State law has required carbon monoxide detectors within 10 feet of every bedroom for over a year now, but if you haven't sold a home recently you may not be aware of it. If you don't already have them, this would be a good time to install them, not only by bedrooms but also one on each level of your home.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, often a by-product of burning, that interferes with normal oxygen uptake. It's dangerous because the human body mistakes carbon monoxide of oxygen, leading to a replacement of oxygen with CO in the bloodstream. The first signs of CO poisoning may include headaches and breathlessness. Longer exposure may lead to flu-like symptoms.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – HomesMSP.com
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