Winter is approaching and you’ll be spending more time indoors. Be safe from carbon monoxide.

Did you know...

1. Across North America, over 500 people die needlessly each year from carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. Carbon monoxide is called the "silent killer". It is an odorless, colorless gas that is a by-product of gas combustion.
3. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the stomach flu. They include nausea, difficulty catching your breath, headaches and light headedness.
4. Unlike the stomach flu, carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms will disappear when you leave the effected area. If you have flu-like symptoms that appear only when you're home, this may be carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get to fresh air immediately.
5. Carbon monoxide testing instruments register levels in PPM (parts per million). Shown below are the danger levels:
   • 35 PPM Headache and dizziness in 6 - 8 hours.
   • 100 PPM Headache and dizziness in 2 - 3 hours.
   • 400 PPM Headache and dizziness in 1 - 2 hours.
   • 800 PPM Dizziness and nausea in less than one hour.
   • 1600 PPM Death in under two hours.
6. Carbon monoxide can occur when a furnace is improperly sized, becomes disconnected, or if the flue becomes partially restricted. Flues should be checked at least once annually.
7. Furnaces present a potential source of carbon monoxide. Heat exchangers (inside your furnace) should be checked at least once annually to ensure they are leak free. Additionally, properly adjusted burners not only mean more efficient operation but also much reduced risk of carbon monoxide resulting from incomplete combustion.
8. Annual heating system maintenance is recommended by every utility, consumer group, government agency and consumer publication for good reason. The inspection and corrections could save your life and the adjustments made to provide a clean burn ensures you will save energy. The energy savings alone can easily exceed the cost of the inspection and tune-up.