Our Company Blog

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

You rely on your home heating appliances to keep your family warm and safe during the cold winter months. Whether you heat your home with a fireplace, fireplace insert, heating stove or furnace, you should be aware of the dangers and signs of carbon monoxide.

How carbon monoxide enters your home

A byproduct of combustion, deadly carbon monoxide can be produced by any furnace, stove or fireplace. Carbon monoxide can build up in your home if a heating appliance malfunction, or if your duct work or chimney becomes obstructed. Carbon monoxide poisoning is especially a concern in newer homes, which are more air tight, and in older homes that have newer heating appliances hooked up to older ventilation systems. Additionally, drafty older homes are often “winterized” to keep warm air in and prevent cold air from entering. While draft-free homes are more efficient, they also can allow carbon monoxide to build up when a heating appliance is improperly vented or malfunctioning.

Dangers of carbon monoxide in your home

At the very least, carbon monoxide in a home can cause flu like symptoms for the home’s inhabitants, including headaches, dizziness or fatigue. As it progresses, it can cause confusion or cause people to lose consciousness. More than 400 people die in the United State each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. An additional 20,000 people visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized because of carbon monoxide poisoning each year. If anyone in your home is experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, everyone should leave the house and the fire department should be called.

Detecting carbon monoxide

The best way to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning is to install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of you home and within 10 feet of all bedroom doors. The carbon monoxide detectors you select should carry a seal of approval from a reputable testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, and be sure to check carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries regularly. If carbon monoxide detectors sound in your home, immediately make sure that everyone exits the home, and call 911.

Preventing carbon monoxide buildup

Your home heating systems inspected annually by a professional. Your annual chimney sweeping will ensure that your chimney is free from soot, animal nests or other debris that can prevent carbon monoxide from leaving your fireplace or stove. Fireplaces, stoves and furnaces should be cleaned and inspected to make sure they are venting and operating properly. During your annual cleaning and inspection, your technician also will verify that your chimney or ventilation system is properly sized and fitted to your furnace, fireplace or stove.
If your fireplace, chimney, stove or furnace is overdue to be cleaned and inspected by a professional, call to schedule your appointment today! Regularly servicing of your heating appliances and ventilation system is the best way to keep your family safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Preparing your chimney for winter

Your chimney gets the most use during the cold winter months, and it also takes the most abuse. When temperatures drop, your chimney bears the heat of your fireplace as well as the cold winter temperatures, ice and snow. There are several things you can do to prepare your chimney for winter fires and winter weather.

Schedule your annual cleaning and inspection.

Preparing your chimney for winter begins with your annual chimney cleaning and inspection by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep. The cleaning will make sure that your chimney is free from creosote, blockages, cracks and water damage. When your chimney undergoes its annual cleaning and inspection, you can feel confident that your chimney is ready for the fire-burning season.

Install a chimney cap.

Winter brings the potential for water damage to your chimney, and when water penetrates your chimney, it can leak down the walls of your flue, damaging the metal liner or masonry, rusting your damper and even causing damage to your fireplace. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the best way to protect your chimney from water damage is installing a chimney cap. Installing a chimney cap this fall can have your chimney ready to fend of rain, ice and snow.

Check your chimney’s flashing.

The flashing around the base of your chimney keeps water from running into your home where the roof meets the chimney. Over time, that flashing can break down and leave your home susceptible to water damage. Before the winter snow and ice, make sure your flashing is secure, and have it repaired, if needed. If your chimney is on a portion of your chimney that is exposed to a lot of rainwater or melting snow, you can consider installing a metal cricket to divert the water from the base of your chimney.

Repair any cracks.

Over time, your chimney’s masonry, whether it’s the bricks or your chimney crown, can crack or spall. Those cracks can become worse during the winter when your chimney is exposed to excess moisture and freezing temperatures. Make sure you address any damaged masonry now so problems don’t become worse this winter.

Consider waterproofing.

Consider applying a waterproof seal to the outside of your chimney to protect the chimney from water damage. When water seeps into your chimney’s masonry during the winter months, that water can freeze, expanding and causing cracks to the brick, the same way it causes potholes in the road. Chimney water proofing keeps water out while still allowing your chimney’s masonry to breathe.

Call the chimney experts.

As you prepare your chimney for winter, call the chimney experts at Your Chimney Sweep. We can provide you with your annual chimney cleaning and inspection, repair any problems you may have with your chimney and talk to you about waterproofing to protect your chimney’s masonry. We can help you prepare your chimney for this winter’s harsh weather!