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Gas-burning appliances are commonly found in homes, including furnaces, generators, dryers, and stoves. While these appliances are essential for daily life, they can emit dangerous carbon monoxide if not regularly checked. Carbon monoxide exposure affects hundreds of people each year, underscoring the importance of ensuring your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and installed properly.
Despite our best intentions, it’s easy for routine maintenance tasks to slip our minds, leaving us unaware of potential leaks in our homes. To help you identify signs of a carbon monoxide leak, we spoke with Dr. Howard Greller, a medical toxicologist at the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System and associate professor of emergency medicine at Rutgers University. Below, we’ve provided key indicators to watch for, as well as guidance on obtaining a carbon monoxide alarm if you don’t already have one or need to replace an existing one.
Recognizing Symptoms and Taking Action
1. Flu-Like Symptoms
Dr. Greller notes that carbon monoxide exposure symptoms are often mistaken for those of a common cold. Early signs such as headaches, fatigue, and malaise can mimic flu symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between the two. Complicating matters further, carbon monoxide leaks tend to peak during cold and flu season when heating systems are in use after a period of dormancy.
To distinguish between a virus and carbon monoxide exposure, pay attention to how your symptoms change when you leave your home. If you feel better outdoors or if multiple household members experience similar symptoms indoors, a carbon monoxide leak may be the cause. Dr. Greller emphasizes that unlike the flu, which affects you regardless of your location, carbon monoxide symptoms improve when you’re away from the source.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, contact your utility provider, fire department, or local emergency services for a gas check, especially when coupled with other signs listed below. Consult with your healthcare provider as well.
2. Unusual Pet Behavior
Pets can act as early warning signs of environmental issues, similar to canaries in coal mines historically. If your pet displays uncharacteristic behavior or signs of illness at home, it could indicate a problem with the air quality. Dr. Greller advises monitoring your pet’s well-being and seeking veterinary care if needed.
3. Alarm Activation
An unmistakable signal of a carbon monoxide presence is your alarm going off. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, indicating the detection of gas, it’s crucial to evacuate the premises immediately and seek professional assistance. Sometimes, the alarm’s beeping for battery replacement can be mistaken for a false alarm, so it’s essential to respond promptly to any alarm activation.
Installing a Reliable Alarm System
Leading safety companies Kidde and Ring have collaborated to offer a range of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that integrate with the Ring app for convenient alerts. These alarms provide real-time notifications to your smartphone when smoke or carbon mon
Ensure that you install your alarm in the correct location. Alarms like Kidde and Ring models will include instructions on where to place them in your home. For more information, refer to the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
