Victoria Electrical Services: 3 Reasons To Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can make people very sick. The CO molecules bind to the hemoglobin in your blood and deprive you of oxygen. Most people don’t know they are exposed to CO until they become sick. Because the symptoms are similar to the flu, CO poisoning can be misdiagnosed. According to the British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit, between 2002 and 2016 there were over 3,000 hospitalizations for CO poisoning. Installing a CO monitor and alarm by an electrician in Victoria can help you stay safe.

Where Does CO Come From in the House?

CO is produced when something burns. The most common source of CO in the home is a fireplace, but it can also be produced by gas stoves and ovens, motor vehicles, clothes dryers and both gas and wood-burning stoves. Generally speaking, as long as homes are well-ventilated and maintained, you are at a lower risk from CO poisoning. The problem is that CO poisoning can be difficult to identify. Many people think they have the flu. By the time they get sick enough to get help, they can lose consciousness and be unable to escape to safety.

Why CO Alarms Are So Valuable

CO alarms are similar to smoke alarms, in that they identify high CO levels so that you can fix the problem before you get too sick.

1.) Early Warnings

CO has no smell or colour. It’s hard to identify on its own. A CO alarm picks up low levels of CO and sends out a warning. When CO levels start to rise, you’ll be notified so you and your family can escape.

2.) Alarm Will Sound BEFORE Symptoms

When CO levels rise, you may not even experience symptoms if you are sleeping. A CO alarm goes off before you experience any of the symptoms, headaches, dizziness, nausea and weakness. Having a CO alarm limits your exposure and ensures you and your family get treated before you get too sick.

3.) CO Gas Leaks Can Be Detected Early

When CO alarms are installed correctly, gas leaks can be detected before your family ends up sick. CO alarms pick up lower levels of CO and alert you when the levels rise above naturally-occurring levels. It’s just an additional level of safety when you have appliances in your home that could emit CO.

What’s the Difference Between CO Poisoning and the Flu?

Because CO poisoning appears to be the flu, it’s easy to confuse the two. If everyone in the home is sick at the same time, it could be CO poisoning. The flu, and other viruses, spread from person to person. One person may be feeling better as another person gets sicker. With CO poisoning, the family members who spend the most time in the house will be more affected. Your indoor pets may be ill. Your symptoms may get worse when you have a fire in the fireplace or are using a gas-burning stove. With CO poisoning, you probably won’t have a fever or swollen lymph glands. You may also feel better when you’re away from the house and CO.

What Do You Do When Your Alarm Goes Off?

You may not feel sick when your CO alarm goes off, because it’s supposed to identify CO levels much lower than may make you sick. You’ll want to call your local gas company or a technician who can help you identify the source of the CO. Open the windows in your home and get everyone out until you can have it tested.

Contact Handyman Connection for electrical repair services and installation of CO monitoring devices. A carbon monoxide detector can be a valuable investment in your home to protect your family.