Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can leak from several common household appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, gas ranges or stoves, wood or gas fireplaces, and gas clothes dryers. Other potential sources of CO include fuel-burning space heaters, charcoal or gas grills, and vehicle exhaust. Using these appliances in poorly ventilated areas can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide, which can quickly become lethal. In addition, a venting malfunction or a clogged chimney could cause CO to back up into your home, further increasing the risk of poisoning. At Mr. Electric of San Antonio, we specialize in installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for homeowners in San Antonio, Boerne, and Bulverde, TX. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning, we recommend taking the following actions to prevent sources of carbon monoxide in a home:

• Ensure the safety of your home by installing CO detectors with at least one sensor on each floor and outside each bedroom.
• Remember to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector at least once a year or as often as every six months or even better, invest in 10-year batteries.
• When purchasing gas appliances or equipment, look for the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) seals of approval to ensure their safety.
• Never run a generator, vehicle, or device with a fuel-fed motor inside your home, garage, or near a window.
• Always turn off any vehicles parked inside your garage to prevent CO buildup.
• Do not use a flameless chemical heater in an enclosed space or indoors, as this could lead to CO poisoning.
• Schedule an annual inspection of your gas appliances by licensed professionals to ensure their safe operation.
• Always open the flue when burning a fire in your fireplace or furnace to prevent CO buildup.
• Hire service experts to repair malfunctioning gas appliances to ensure they are safe to use.
• Never heat your home using a gas oven, as this can be a significant source of CO.
• Only operate grills in well-ventilated outdoor areas to prevent CO buildup.
• Use battery-operated heaters when camping instead of fuel-burning appliances.
• Learn the sound your carbon monoxide detector makes and understand the difference between it and your smoke detector.
• Adjust all your gas appliances properly and use an exhaust fan when necessary to minimize CO emissions.
• Contact your local fire department if you cannot afford a carbon monoxide detector; programs are available to help low-income families and the elderly.