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Carbon Monoxide Detectors

 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) . . . What is it?

  • Poisonous gas that is odourless, colorless, tasteless and non-irritating.
  • It crowds out life-sustaining oxygen from red blood cells and prevents the body from absorbing oxygen.

Carbon Monoxide Warning Signs

  • Exposure to CO can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, burning eyes, vomiting or loss of muscle control.
  • If you experience any of these symptoms or the CO detector goes off, leave the home immediately and call 911 from a safe location.

Placement

  • Install Carbon Monoxide detectors near each sleeping area.
  • Never cover or block detector with furniture.

Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  • Most CO detectors work on the same principle and come as either battery or A/C powered while some have both.  The A/C powered units are the most common and require no maintenance.

Life Expectancy Of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  • The typical life expectancy of CO detectors is five or seven years as stated on packaging and should be replaced as specified as sensing chambers deteriorate over time.

The First Line of Defence

  • Proper installation, use, maintenance and inspection of your fuel burning appliances is always your first line of defence. 
  • Fireplaces can use up to ten times as much air in your home as your furnace. Ensure there is adequate combustion air for all appliances.
  • Never use a charcoal barbecue grill, portable gas grill or similar equipment inside a home, tent, trailer or garage.
  • Never operate vehicles in an enclosed area.
  • Keep all flue vents and chimneys clear of debris and other blockages.
  • Never block or plug a furnace combustion air intake or a fresh air vent.
  • Do not store anything close to your appliances that could restrict air circulation.
  • Regular tune-up of fuel fired appliances by a qualified person gives you the peace of mind that there are no defects and units are running at peak efficiency.