Carbon monoxide can come from several common household appliances, including water heaters, furnaces, gas ranges or stoves, wood or gas fireplaces, and gas clothes dryers. Other sources capable of producing CO include charcoal or gas grills, fuel-burning space heaters, and exhaust from vehicles. Do not use these appliances in poorly ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Those appliances could also have venting malfunctions that cause a rapid buildup of CO. Carbon monoxide can back up into your home if you have a closed woodstove flue or a clogged chimney. Mr. Electric of Central Kentucky recommends the following actions to reduce your chances of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector every six to 12 months.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. You should have a minimum of one sensor on each floor and outside of each bedroom.
• Check for the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) seal of approval when purchasing gas appliances or equipment.
• Never run a vehicle, generator, or device containing a fuel-fed motor inside your garage or home.
• Always be sure to turn off any vehicles parked in your garage.
• Have a licensed appliance professional from Mr. Electric of Central Kentucky inspect your gas appliances annually.
• Never use a flameless chemical heater indoors or in an enclosed space.
• Always open your flue if you are burning a fire in your furnace or fireplace.
• Never heat your home with a gas oven.
• Always hire service experts to repair your malfunctioning gas appliances.
• Only operate grills in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
• Use battery-operated heaters while camping.
• Adjust all of your gas appliances correctly, and use an exhaust fan when appropriate.
• Understand the sound your carbon monoxide detector makes compared to the sound of your smoke detector.
• Contact your local fire department if you cannot afford a CO detector because there are programs to help the elderly and low-income families.