Safety tip of the month: Carbon monoxide safety
With cooler weather settling in and furnaces beginning to run more regularly, now is a good time to refresh your carbon monoxide safety practices. A few simple precautions can help keep your home and family safe throughout the heating season.
Use carbon monoxide detectors:
- Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm when they sense excessive levels of carbon monoxide in the air. (Carbon monoxide detectors are different from smoke detectors and propane gas detectors, although some combination detectors are available.)
Have appliances checked on schedule:
- Have a qualified professional check your propane appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and schedule. For example, furnaces are often checked before each heating season begins.
Keep chimneys and intake and exhaust vents clear:
- Regularly check your appliance air intake and exhaust vents to be sure that air can flow in for the gas to burn properly and exhaust gases can flow easily to the outdoors.
- Keep vents and chimneys free of debris such as leaves and animal nests. In winter, keep them free of snow and ice.
- Always open the chimney damper when you use your fireplace.
Position and use vent-free appliances correctly:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and use of vent-free appliances, including fireplaces and logs.
Safety tips provided by the Propane Education Research Council (PERC). For more carbon monoxide and propane safety tips, visit Propane Safety In Your Home | PERC
