home & outdoors
How to make sure your home is safe from carbon monoxide
In any home, many items produce carbon monoxide, each of which needs proper inspection and maintenance to keep danger at bay. Here are some of the most common sources of carbon monoxide, along with the action you can take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gas dryers—clean them regularly
You may already know that your clothes dryer can present a fire hazard, but did you know your dryer can become the source of a carbon monoxide leak?
Gas-powered dryers can become clogged over time with lint and other debris, blocking the ventilation and potentially pushing carbon monoxide fumes into your home rather than outside.
Make sure to clean your dryer regularly—including the lint trap, inside the dryer, and the vent ducts. Clean your lint trap before and after a dryer cycle, and clean vent pipes yearly.
Water heaters—they need fitted pipes
A water heater poses several opportunities for carbon monoxide leaks. Similarly to a dryer, exhaust can become blocked over time.
Have your water heater inspected by a technician every year to make sure it is running properly and that the vent pipes are fitted tightly.
Gas stoves and ovens—caution after cooking
Remember to never use your gas stove or oven to heat your home—not only does this not heat your home well, but the appliance will give off excess carbon monoxide fumes.
If you have kids in the home who like to mess with stove knobs, make sure you double check before leaving the kitchen that they’re turned off.
Fireplaces—proper ventilation is essential
When it comes to fireplaces, both wood-burning andgas modelspose risks for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is created naturally by wood-burning fireplaces due to the combustion, or burning, of the wood.
Gas fireplaces work similarly to other gas appliances, relying on a gas line to ignite the flame and push out warmth to the room.
Chimneys must be intact and remain clear in order to allow carbon monoxide and other fumes to escape the home. Built-up debris can create a blockage that allows carbon monoxide to collect inside.
If your chimney isn’t in good condition, make sure it’s dealt with and repaired before using the fireplace. Regular inspection of your chimney will reduce the risks.
Grills—don’t use them inside
If you own a propane or charcoal grill,do not, under any circumstance, use it indoors or in a garage.
These grills create high levels of carbon monoxide, and can quickly fill an enclosed space with harmful fumes.
A safe alternative for grilling up hamburgers indoors is to use an indoor grill, made specifically for indoor use.
Take these preventative measures
Every home should have at least onecarbon monoxide detector.
As you would a smoke detector, you should test the CO detector at least once a year to make sure it works or whether its batteries need to be replaced.
You can also purchase a combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector—we tested tons of these detectors and rated the Nest Protect Alarm as our best overall choice.