Homeownership can also offer certain tax benefits, such as deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes. Additionally, owning a home provides greater privacy and control over your living space, as well as the opportunity to customize and make improvements to your property.

However, there are also hidden dangers to homeownership, such as unexpected maintenance and repair costs, fluctuations in property value, and potential for natural disasters and environmental hazards. Homeownership can come with unexpected expenses, such as a broken water heater or a leaky roof. 

Depending on where you live, your home may also be at risk for natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes, as well as environmental hazards such as radon or lead paint, which can impact your health and the value of your property. 

The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an invisible danger, a silent killer. It's something we need in order to operate gas ranges and ovens, central heating, boilers, water heaters, and more - but a leak can also mean incredible danger to your family. This is why monitoring carbon monoxide is crucial.

If there's a leak, you won't be able to tell. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. When we breathe it in, our body fails to recognize that we're not getting enough oxygen. We grow faint-headed, dizzy, and can pass out. Without a monitored alarm system, there is no one to alert the fire department or evacuate us. Without help, people die from carbon monoxide poisoning.

In this article, we’re answering your questions about carbon monoxide, its dangers, and what you need to do to protect your home and family. 

Eleven Questions About Carbon Monoxide 

1) Is Carbon Monoxide That Dangerous?

Yes. More than 20,000 people visit the ER every year because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Of these, 4,000 are hospitalized, and about 400 die as a direct result. Even those who don't die can suffer severe and long-lasting conditions as a result.

2) What Are The Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Many families that suffer carbon monoxide poisoning think that they have food poisoning instead. The symptoms are similar: headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, fatigue, and exhaustion. People become confused and disoriented. They can pass out or have a seizure.

People will NOT appear to turn blue. Carbon monoxide has a reddening effect that can cancel out the blue pallor that comes from oxygen deprivation. People may appear visually healthy, and there will rarely be visual signs that someone is suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

3) Can I Fix A Carbon Monoxide Leak Myself?

Only if you know where it is, even then, you could have multiple leaks or a failed utility, and fixing one leak may not solve the problem. The fire department has the tools and knowledge to identify leaks, zero in on them, and determine the cause accurately. Rely on their response and expertise. It’s not worth it to DIY when your safety, and that of your family/friends, is at stake.

4) How Do I Call The Fire Department If I'm Passing Out?

This is the most difficult part of carbon monoxide detection. It sneaks up on you. If you're already suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, you may not be able to call the fire department yourself. Furthermore, many leaks occur at night. 

A carbon monoxide detector can warn you, but what if you sleep through it? This is why monitored carbon monoxide detection is best.

5) How Does Monitoring Carbon Monoxide Detection Work?

An alarm will trigger. A monitoring service will be able to call you and the fire department, assess the situation, and then notify the department of your needs. This way, if you're asleep or passed out, the monitoring service will still get the fire department there. This is especially useful, too, if you're not home and pets are at risk.

6) Wait! Pets Are At Risk?

Pets are especially at risk. Carbon monoxide is a danger to any animal. Smaller pets like birds and lizards are most at risk, but dogs and cats can die due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Remove them from any danger as best you can. By the time you notice anything wrong with them, you may be suffering carbon monoxide poisoning yourself.

7) Are Vehicles In The Garage A Danger?

Yes! When you start a vehicle, make sure the garage is open. This allows carbon monoxide in the exhaust to exit the garage and dissipate. If you're warming up the vehicle, make sure to do so outside of the garage. Even an open garage is closed on three sides, top and bottom, and can pose a danger of trapping carbon monoxide.

8) What If The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Keeps Going Off?

Do not assume that it's just broken. Carbon monoxide isn't something we can sense. It's wiser to take the precaution, exit your home, and call the fire department.

9) Does Opening The Window Help?

Opening a window gets fresh air in. It can help and even save lives by providing access to oxygen, but it is not a solution. Under no circumstances should you spend time in a room with carbon monoxide poisoning simply because the window is open. It is not enough to solve the problem. The leak itself must be fixed.

10) How Often Should CO (Carbon Monoxide) Detectors Be Replaced?

A monitored system should be inspected regularly by the servicing company. Regular detectors should be tested monthly, inspected at least yearly, and replaced every five to seven years. This varies by manufacturer, so always make sure to read the label and follow it accordingly.

11) Does Carbon Monoxide Detection Impact My Insurance Premiums?

Yes! Combined with fire detection systems, a carbon monoxide detection system that's monitored can save you up to 20-percent in homeowner's insurance. Insurance companies feel much safer insuring you if you're taking precautions to guard against household dangers like carbon monoxide.

Understanding The Sources And Risks Of Carbon Monoxide

While many are aware of the dangers posed by improperly ventilated appliances, there are other less common sources of carbon monoxide that homeowners should be vigilant about. These include but are not limited to:

• Charcoal Grills: Never use charcoal grills indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
• Camping Equipment: Be cautious when using camping stoves or lanterns inside tents or campers without proper ventilation.
• Home Brewing and Wine-Making Equipment: Fermentation processes can produce carbon monoxide, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
• Faulty Furnaces: Old or malfunctioning furnaces can emit carbon monoxide if they are not burning fuel completely.
• Water Heaters: Improperly installed or malfunctioning water heaters are a potential source of carbon monoxide.
• Power Tools: Gas-powered tools used in confined spaces can emit carbon monoxide, such as in workshops or basements.
• Boats: Engines of boats, especially inboard motors, can build up carbon monoxide, particularly when idling or in enclosed spaces.
• Pool Heaters: Improperly ventilated gas pool heaters can produce carbon monoxide.
• Natural Gas Clothes Dryers: These appliances must be properly vented to avoid carbon monoxide accumulation.

The Importance Of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are an essential safety device for any home or building that uses gas, oil, or other fuel-burning appliances. These devices are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that is produced when fuel is burned. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without the use of a detector.

Carbon monoxide detectors work by monitoring the air for the presence of the gas. When carbon monoxide is detected, the device will sound an alarm to alert the occupants of the building. Some detectors also have a visual alert, such as a flashing light, to provide an additional warning.

It is recommended that carbon monoxide detectors be installed on every level of the home, including the basement and near each sleeping area. Detectors should be placed at least fifteen feet away from fuel-burning appliances and should not be placed in areas where they may be blocked by furniture or curtains.

Other Preventative Measures To Protect Your Home And Family From Carbon Monoxide

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is essential to take proactive steps:

• Install CO Detectors: Place them near sleeping areas and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Regular Maintenance: Ensure that all fuel-burning appliances are serviced annually by a qualified technician.
• Proper Ventilation: Always check that vents and chimneys are unblocked and allow for adequate airflow.
• Test CO Detectors Regularly: In addition to installation, regularly test your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly. Many models have a test button specifically for this purpose.
• Use Battery-Operated or Battery-Back-Up CO Detectors: This ensures that your detectors continue to function during a power outage when generators and alternative heat sources may be in use.
• Avoid Using Appliances in Unintended Ways: Never use appliances like ovens or ranges to heat your home, as this can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
• Be Cautious with Vehicle Use in Attached Garages: Even with the garage door open, do not run a vehicle inside for an extended period. Move the vehicle outside as soon as it is started.
• Schedule Chimney Checks: Have your chimney checked and cleaned by a professional annually to prevent blockages that could lead to CO buildup inside your home.
• Avoid Enclosed Spaces with Running Engines: Never sit in an enclosed space with a running engine, such as in a parked car in a garage, even if the door to the outside is open.
• Know the Signs and Quick Response Protocols: Ensure that everyone in your home knows the signs of CO poisoning and the steps to take if they suspect it, such as evacuating the home and calling emergency services.
• Post Emergency Contact Information: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers in a central location, like on the refrigerator, so everyone knows whom to call if there is a suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Educate Your Family: Teach all household members about the symptoms of CO poisoning and the importance of evacuation if the alarm sounds.

The Importance Of Legal Compliance To Carbon Monoxide Protection

Many regions have specific laws and regulations regarding carbon monoxide detectors in homes. Compliance with these laws not only ensures your safety but also keeps you legally protected in the event of an accident. Homeowners should:

• Check Local Laws: Be aware of and comply with local regulations regarding carbon monoxide detectors.
• Understand Landlord Responsibilities: If renting, know your rights and ensure that your landlord adheres to safety laws.

Long-Term Health Effects Of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

The health impacts of carbon monoxide do not always immediately manifest. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, can result in serious health issues such as:

• Heart Disease: Prolonged exposure to CO can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
• Neurological Damage: Carbon monoxide can interfere with brain function, potentially leading to long-term neurological deficits.
• Complications in Pregnancy: Exposure during pregnancy can affect fetal development and result in complications.

By understanding the dangers of carbon monoxide, implementing safety measures, and ensuring compliance with laws, homeowners can significantly mitigate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure a safer living environment.

Let Integrity Security Help You Protect Your Home And Family From Carbon Monoxide

Don't leave the safety of your family to chance when it comes to carbon monoxide. Protect your loved ones with reliable and efficient carbon monoxide detectors from Integrity Security. Our experts are ready to help you select the right system for your home, ensuring peace of mind with top-of-the-line carbon monoxide monitoring technology. 

Call us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you maintain a safe and secure home environment. Don't wait for an emergency to happen—take action now and ensure your family is protected against the silent threat of carbon monoxide.