Carbon Monoxide Safety

How Can I Prevent carbon Monoxide Problems?

• Have your chimney, heating system and water heater flue vent piping inspected regularly and cleaned by a professional when necessary.
• High efficiency furnaces, water heaters and other energy-saving appliances may have exhaust vents that exit your building through an exterior wall rather than through a chimney. Ensure that all obstructions and debris are removed from your venting systems.
• If you’ve recently converted to clean-burning natural gas, be sure to have your chimney professionally cleaned right away to remove the soot and creosote build-up from oil combustion. Install one or more CO alarms near bedrooms.
• NEVER burn wood or coal in an indoor area without proper venting. Portable gas and charcoal grills intended for outside use should never be used indoors, or even inside an open garage.
• NEVER use your gas range to heat your apartment, or house. Your range’s oven and top burners are designed to cook your food, NOT to heat your home. Prolonged use can reduce oxygen levels in the home and contribute to unusually excessive levels of carbon monoxide.
• NEVER keep your vehicle running inside a closed space/garage or in an unventilated area. This is the most common carbon monoxide danger to homeowners.
• Besides prevention, detecting a problem is the best way to stay safe. Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near your sleeping area. Alarms should be marked with “UL 2034” indicating that it meets the standards set by Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
• New York State’s Amanda’s law requires existing one- and two-family residences to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest floor of the building having a sleeping area. The alarm must be clearly audible in all sleeping areas over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. The requirement applies to residences with any fuel burning appliance, and/or attached garage.