Carbon monoxide is produced when a fuel burns, whether it’s wood, coal, or natural gas. It is widely known as “the silent killer” because it’s odorless, colorless, tasteless, and lethal. Unfortunately, it can be impossible to detect in a home until you start experiencing side effects. As the Dayton area’s leading chimney cleaning and gas fireplace repair team, Abbey Road Chimney Sweeps is dedicated to keeping their customers safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. They offer the following guide to help you understand how this toxic gas commonly enters homes and how you can protect your family.

Furnaces & Water Tanks

Since the furnace and water tank consume fuel and generate heat, they also produce carbon monoxide. When these pieces of equipment are damaged, the gas can seep into your home rather than being channeled out through the exhaust vent. If these appliances are unable to ventilate properly, you are vulnerable to carbon monoxide inhalation, sickness, and even death. Keeping up with routine maintenance ensures the tanks, pipes, and connections are in good condition, protecting your family from exposure. Invest in a carbon monoxide detector that monitors the gas levels in the home and issues an alert if they exceed the hazardous threshold.

Gas Logs

Gas fireplaces pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning because they convert fuel to heat. If you use gas logs, install an oxygen depletion sensor in the fireplace, which will automatically shut off the gas if it detects excessive carbon monoxide. Scheduling regular fireplace and chimney cleaning services greatly reduce the likelihood of exposure. These experts can also clean your gas logs before you use them for the first time each season.

Carbon monoxide exposure presents serious health hazards, but keeping your home’s heating equipment clean and installing gas detectors will help keep your family safe. When you need reliable chimney cleaning services that remove harmful buildup from your fireplace and exhaust system, trust Abbey Road Chimney Sweeps of Dayton, OH. Call (937) 833-0505 today to book an appointment, and visit the chimney sweeps online to learn more about their services.