by Rusty Cochran
Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, each year claims lives and causes illnesses for many more. High levels kill in a short period. Because carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison, moderate levels cause health problems and may eventually lead to death. And, to further complicate the issue, carbon monoxide poisoning mimics other less-threatening conditions like the common flu, as well as serious conditions like heart-attack and multiple sclerosis, making it difficult for medical practitioners to accurately diagnose.
Carbon monoxide issues are more likely in the winter, when houses are sealed shut to eliminate drafts, reduce heating bills and improve comfort. Common causes of carbon monoxide include a cracked heat exchanger in the heating system, incomplete fuel burning, heaters (and/or other exhaust appliances) exhausting directly into the house instead of to the outdoor and backdrafts in naturally drafting appliances such as fireplaces.
Because it is an ‘invisible killer’, the best way to insure against it is to regularly have your HVAC system
maintained by a professional, along with having carbon monoxide detectors in the home. For safety, every house should have at least one working carbon monoxide detector. And a carbon monoxide alert should NEVER be ignored – even if the cause cannot be initially identified. It is rarely a failure of the detector and it can be fatal.
According to Dr. Thomas Greiner, PhD and Professor at Iowa State University, “Carbon monoxide cases often require a great deal of detective work. Many causes escape detection without the use of sophisticated equipment now available.” So if your detector goes off, make sure to turn to an HVAC professional who is qualified to track down and eliminate this insidious poison in your home.
Rusty Cochran is the owner of WC Heating and Air Conditioning in Murrieta. For questions or further information on your air conditioning or heating, call (951) 600-0700 or www.wc-air.com/