Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas that can leak into your home. Nearly 200 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning at home. Carbon monoxide detectors alert you to danger and help prevent these tragedies.

You may know carbon monoxide as the poisonous gas that comes out of your car's tailpipe. However, carbon monoxide can form wherever fossil fuels don't burn completely.

Improperly functioning gas- or oil-burning furnaces can let off carbon monoxide. Badly vented furnaces, stoves, or fireplaces can leak it into your home. And defective space heaters are a particular hazard in winter months.

Carbon monoxide detectors are similar to smoke alarms. Most sound an alarm, and others signal with a flashing light. Always respond immediately to an alarm. Leave the building and call emergency services or 9-1-1.

Carbon monoxide detectors can run off a battery or plug directly into a wall outlet (possibly with a battery back-up). Your Heating and Air technician can recommend what's best for your home.

A qualified Heating and Air technician uses special equipment to inspect and test your home for carbon monoxide leaks. The Underwriters Laboratory, the National Comfort Institute, and the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association certify technicians in carbon monoxide testing and detector installation.

Call a qualified Heating and Air technician anytime you're concerned. Or ask for testing and installation of detectors during spring testing of your air conditioning system and fall testing of your furnace system.

Properly installed carbon monoxide detectors help keep your family safe and give you peace of mind.