How Do I Know If I Have A Carbon Monoxide Leak?

Carbon monoxide poisoning has existed as long as humans have been burning fuel. But detection of this potentially deadly gas moved into the 21st Century. Many of the tools and appliances we use in our daily lives are potential CO poisoning sources. It’s a threat even in the best-designed homes. Protecting your home with a high-quality detection system is the best and fastest way to detect a leak. When it’s integrated with your home security system, it’s one more step in keeping your family safe.

What Is Carbon Monoxide and Where Does It Come From?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from burning fuels. When it leaks, it can poison the air and potentially cause illness and death. Unlike smoke and other air pollutants, you can’t detect CO by sight or smell. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control call it the “silent killer.” According to the CDC, carbon monoxide can come from almost anything that burns fuels, including cars or trucks, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, and furnaces.

How Can I Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks?

Investing in a high-quality carbon monoxide detection system is one of the most critical steps you can take in preventing leaks. Inspecting and monitoring your fuel-burning appliances is another essential strategy. The CDC recommends the following prevention strategies:

• Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors.
• Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly.
• Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year.
• Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
• Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.

Why Are Carbon Monoxide Detectors So Important?

As we all know, even the best designed and maintained appliances and heating and ventilation systems can fail. That’s why it’s crucial to have CO detectors throughout your home. The more intelligent and connected your detection system is, the better protection it provides. Install detectors in the following locations:

• In each bedroom in your home.
• In a shared space on every floor.
• 15 to 20 feet from your furnace.

Does It Matter What Kind of Carbon Monoxide Monitor I Have?

Standard CO monitors offer limited protection. But today’s smart detectors work with your home security system to provide more comprehensive coverage. The best detection systems provide:

• Digital display.
• Interconnectivity among multiple detectors in larger homes ensures the whole house gets an alert when a sensor goes off.
• Connectivity with your home security system–both in terms of on-site alarms and remote monitoring.
• Remote access through your smartphone.

How Will I Be Alerted If I Have a Carbon Monoxide Leak?

As a top-rated home security provider in the DC region, Aegis Technologies offers 21st Century Carbon Monoxide detection as part of a complete security package. Working with our partners at Alarm.com, we integrate CO detection and alerts with your security system. If you’re home, interconnected alarms alert every member of your family of potential leaks. You’ll still get real-time information through a smartphone app when you’re away from home. Packages also include round-the-clock support from Alarm.com’s monitoring partners. Our partners can alert 911 on your behalf, and there’s always an option for indicating false alarms using smart technology. Safety and well-being are an integral part of home security. And threats don’t always come from outside your home. An integrated carbon monoxide detection system helps neutralize the silent killer and brings you peace of mind.