Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Keeping Your Family Safe

In our climate, homes are often closed up for long periods to make heating and cooling efficient. If you have fuel-burning appliances or equipment like a furnace, water heater, kitchen range or clothes dryer, well-functioning carbon monoxide detectors are a necessity to protect your family's well-being when your home is closed up against the weather.

How CO Detectors Help Protect Against Exposure

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete fuel combustion, and this lethal, invisible gas has no taste or odor. If inhaled, CO attaches to hemoglobin the bloodstream, which deprives the brain, organs and body cells of vital oxygen. Carbon monoxide detectors have sensors that can detect the presence of the gas and produce a loud alarm to warn you against:

• Low level exposure that causes flu-like symptoms including fatigue, nausea, headaches and dizziness.

• High concentrations of CO that can rapidly cause unconsciousness, coma, brain damage and death.

Keeping Your CO Detectors Working Properly is Key

The first step in protecting your family against accidental carbon monoxide exposure is to install detectors on each level of your home. To ensure that these essential safety devices are able to warn you when CO is present, you can't simply install them and forget them. Instead, you need to keep them working properly by:

Testing all your detectors monthly.

This usually involves pressing the test button and waiting for a high-pitched beeping sound that signals the unit is working.

Replacing the batteries in each device at least annually.

This necessary maintenance for plug-in detectors too, so the battery can keep the unit functioning during a power outage.

Replacing failing detectors as needed.

CO detectors lose their ability to sense CO gas after about five to seven years. New models give an audible warning to alert you when they need replacing.

Keeping your fuel-burning appliances and equipment well maintained.

Any combustion devices should have annual preventive maintenance that includes an inspection, cleaning and tuneup to keep them operating safely.

To schedule water heater or HVAC maintenance that can help your carbon monoxide detectors protect your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Important for Your Home Safety

A carbon monoxide detector is an extremely important device to have in your home. If you don't have one, this is the perfect time to buy one. We're going to look at the importance of this device and the tips to consider when buying one. If you already have one, we've also got you covered with maintenance tips.

Why Do You Need a Detector?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that you cannot smell, see or taste. It is a combustion byproduct, produced by common household appliances like furnaces, gas water heaters and fireplaces. Depending on the concentration level, exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, convulsions, unconsciousness and even death.A carbon monoxide detector protects you by sounding an alarm after detecting a certain amount of the gas in the air. You can then respond appropriately by turning off appliances, ventilating the area or evacuating occupants.

What Types are Available?

There are three types of detectors available: hard-wired, plug-in and battery-operated. Hard-wired detectors are wired to your household's electrical circuit and are connected to other detectors. Plug-in detectors can be plugged into any electrical outlets. Battery-operated rely on batteries to operate and are not affected by power outages. For that reason, it is advisable to include a battery backup with plug-in and hard-wired detectors.

What Tips Should You Consider When Buying a Detector?

When shopping for a new detector, make sure you do the following:

• Check the town or county regulations on alarms and placement.

• Check whether the detector is UL listed. Only purchase one that is listed.

• Check the detector's date of manufacture. This is to help you know the right time to replace it, which is after five years.

How Should You Maintain a Detector?

Perform the following maintenance tasks:

• Check your unit's battery life. Replace old batteries.

• Test your detectors to ensure they're working properly.

• Replace detectors that are five years or older.

Make sure you include maintaining your carbon monoxide detector in your fall home maintenance checklist. For more information, contact Air Assurance. We serve the Broken Arrow area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Aysezgicmeli/Shutterstock”

The Importance of Testing Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly

While installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be a requirement in any house, don't decide that's enough. Carbon monoxide detectors must be tested regularly to make sure they're still operational. 

The Danger of Carbon Monoxide

With enough exposure, this invisible, odorless gas can kill you. It can do its deadly work through gradual exposure over time or through a sudden, substantial buildup in a small, poorly ventilated room. An average of 170 Americans die each year of accidental residential CO exposure. Defective combustion heating equipment is the usual suspect, though other potential causes can occur any time of year.

Testing CO Monitors

Not all carbon monoxide detectors are the same, and different models will have different installation recommendations and testing procedures. However, most models call for monthly testing to make sure the battery is working and the device is otherwise operational. In most cases, experts suggest changing the batteries of battery-operated models every six months–perhaps when the clocks change in the early spring and late fall. Remember, too, that even models hardwired into your home's electrical system have battery backups.

The testing process for most carbon monoxide detectors is simple: Press the "test" button down two or three seconds, and when the alarm beep sounds, release the button. That's it. If you don't hear the beep, replace the batteries and test again. If you still don't hear it, take the detector back for a refund and try a different brand. The hassle isn't worth your family's health or lives.

CO Preventative Care

Carbon monoxide detectors are your safety net, but the best outcome, of course, is to avoid CO buildup in the first place. Schedule annual preventative maintenance on all combustion appliances to make sure they're burning their fuel and exhausting combustion gases such as CO efficiently and safely. Don't idle cars in the attached garage, and don't use combustion cooking devices inside the house, in a garage or next to open windows.

For more advice on carbon monoxide detectors, please contact us today at Air Assurance. We serve the greater Tulsa metro area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Grzegorz Petrykowski/Shutterstock”

What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide Safety in Your OK Home

Carbon monoxide safety is a topic on which every Oklahoma home-owner should have knowledge. Learning about carbon monoxide safety can protect your home and keep you and your family safe. Carbon monoxide is almost impossible for a person to detect, as it has no color, taste or odor. It is a silent killer that, when inhaled in large quantities, causes illness and death. Symptoms resemble the flu and exposure at low levels include nausea, vertigo, headaches, and confusion. Because these symptoms mimic other problems, exposure often goes unnoticed until it is too late. When this occurs and exposure to the gas is more extensive, these symptoms are more severe and can lead to death. Young children, people with existing respiratory problems, and people with heart disease are more sensitive to the gas and are in more danger from exposure.Produced by heat-producing reactions, carbon monoxide is a by-product of water heaters, heating systems, and small engines. Keeping up with your scheduled HVAC system maintenance can prevent problems that may cause the release of carbon monoxide into your home. When using a small engine like a generator or power-washer, you should be sure to only run the equipment outdoors. They release the gas directly into the air, putting your home at risk if you run them indoors. You should also be sure to never leave your car engine running in the garage, as this can also create a problem. If you own a fireplace, you should only use it when the smoke vents to the outdoors.Although taking certain actions can prevent the likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure, you should still have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home. Detectors have sensitive sensors that alert you of the gas before you begin to develop symptoms.For all of your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs, you can contact us at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing. We offer excellent service with convenience to clients in Broken Arrow and surrounding areas.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Credit/Copyright Attribution: “www.3drenderedlogos-com/Shutterstock”

Inspect the Ducts Now and Then To Prevent Energy Loss

When northeastern Oklahoma gets mentioned, it's usually the tourist industry's “Green Country Region” label which comes to mind. While heavy industry seems a bit distant from the verdant images conjured up, airborne dust and pollution are a major cause of concern, particularly in the greater Tulsa metropolitan area, of which Broken Arrow is an integral part.Why Sealed Ducts Are ImportantIn one recent study, Tulsa County ranked as one of the “Dirtiest/Worst Counties in the U.S.” in six out of the 12 categories measured. With carbon monoxide  levels high outside, it's particularly important that our indoor air quality be kept as pristine as possible.Why Duct Inspections Are ImportantOur HVAC systems do more than simply cool and dehumidify the air circulating through our homes; they also filter the air our families breath. Ductwork is the typically-hidden system of conduits and joints, snaking through your home, that move treated air from the air conditioner – and from the furnace, during the heating season – to our living space. Aside from allowing out the conditioned air we've paid for, breaches in the ductwork can also allow contamination in, undermining the efficiency of even the best air filters.Keeping the ductwork working at its optimum is thus important to both moderating utility bills and to maintaining healthy indoor air quality.What the Homeowner Can DoThere are some things a homeowner can do to inspect the ducts:

• External Checks. When the air mover (blower) is running, look at your ducts. If you see dust or cobwebs moving, this is a sign of leakage.

• Internal Checks. Remove the registers (vents) where treated air enters your rooms, and look inside. The presence of dust or any sign of mice, bugs or mold suggests problems.

What an HVAC Pro Can DoAs noted, most ductwork is located out of view. This can make visual inspections difficult. Professional contractors have dedicated meters and machinery, and access to technical manuals specific to your installation, that make it possible to inspect the ducts remotely. Contact Air Assurance to learn more, or to schedule a free in-home consultation.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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Keep Your Home Safe -- Reduce CO Exposure

Most homeowners are at least somewhat aware of the danger that carbon monoxide (CO) can present to your home. It’s a deadly gas that can lurk in and around your home undetected, because it’s both odorless and colorless. In small amounts it will cause strong headaches, disorientation and nausea along with other symptoms. When there is enough CO to cause CO poisoning it can be deadly, even with immediate treatment. The good news is that you can reduce your CO exposure in a few easy ways.

The Background of CO

To limit CO exposure you must first understand how it is created. CO is the result of incomplete combustion, basically the result of burning a fuel without enough oxygen available for the chemical reaction. What this means is that anything that burns fuel to operate can potentially create CO. This happens when operated in closed off environments or if an important part breaks that limits the oxygen supply.

Reducing CO Exposure in Your Home

Most cars regularly produce some CO, but it’s not a big issue because it quickly dissipates into the atmosphere. The importance of ventilation is the key takeaway here. Even if you take all precautions, CO can still be produced, but if you have sufficient ventilation you will limit your risk. Only operate heavy machinery that burns fuel outdoors in an open area.

The second part of proper use is to inspect and maintain fuel-burning equipment. This includes appliances and the various parts of your HVAC system. Certain things you can maintain on your own, but for others it is worth calling in a professional to inspect and maintain.

Even if you operate all your fuel-burning equipment in open areas and in perfect condition, CO can still enter your home from the outside. Install CO alarms throughout your home to alert you to any danger.

If you need help with HVAC maintenance or improving the safety of your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Use Houseplants as a Natural Air Cleaner for Your Home

One of the simplest ways to improve air quality inside your home is to use houseplants as natural air cleaner enhancers. They are especially effective when used in conjunction with a good air filter in your HVAC system. 

Plants absorb various gases through their leaves, fueling growth. Plants have also been found capable of removing various volatile organic compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde. Benzene can be found in everyday products such as some plastics, fabrics and in cigarette smoke. Formaldehyde is a common component in cosmetics and detergents.

Plants also help remove carbon monoxide from the air.

Some of the harmful compounds given off by household products have been shown to trigger problems for people who are prone to asthma or have respiratory illnesses.

Plants absorb these gases through the surface of their leaves and roots, and trap them. This helps keep your indoor air cleaner.

Studies have shown that you can use most houseplants as natural air cleaner boosters, but some seem especially more suited to removing certain gases than others. Boston ferns, English Ivy, Japanese royal ferns, aloe vera and peace lilies are just some that have been shown to be particularly effective at removing unwanted compounds from the air.

For more expert information about indoor air quality, using houseplants as natural air cleaner or other home comfort related questions, contact Air Assurance. We have been providing quality service to Broken Arrow and the greater Tulsa area for more than 30 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Why CO Monitoring Should be a Year-Round Practice

More attention is given to carbon monoxide dangers in the fall and winter because it is well known that malfunctioning furnaces can be a source of CO poisoning. However, CO monitoring should be a year-round practice, as many other home items and activities can emit carbon monoxide.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

Exposure to the gas can initially cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, confusion and nausea. Some also experience chest pain and vomiting. As you can see, these symptoms are similar to other, less serious ailments. Unfortunately, if exposure continues, the poisoning can prove fatal.

Carbon Monoxide Sources

The following are common home items or activities that can release carbon monoxide.

• Fuel-burning equipment: includes gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, propane stoves, gas grills, generators and fuel-burning portable heaters.

• Fires: includes campfires, charcoal grills and improperly vented fireplaces and woodstoves.

• Vehicles: includes boats, automobiles and motorcycles.

Reducing Your Risk of CO Poisoning

Never operate fuel-powered equipment in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area. Many believe it is safe to operate gas-powered tools in a garage, for example. This is not the case even if the door is left open. Carbon monoxide levels can still rise quickly to dangerous levels.

• Do not use fuel-powered appliances, such as propane stoves, inside tents. Tent fabric is denser than you might think – too dense to allow CO to dissipate.

• Never leave your car or any other vehicle idling in the garage. It is particularly tempting to warm up the car in the garage during cold weather. This can be a fatal mistake. Carbon monoxide levels can build up not only in the garage but also in the home, if the garage is attached. The gas easily seeps through cracks and crevices to permeate the home.

• Install CO detectors on each floor of your home. Make sure you mount them according to directions from the manufacturer and that you test them at least twice a year.

For more information about CO monitoring and other home safety and comfort issues, please contact Air Assurance. We are located in Broken Arrow and look forward to serving you.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Fall Furnace Inspection: Highly Recommended for Your Tulsa Home

Broken Arrow will soon see winter weather arriving in force, and if you haven't already scheduled your fall furnace inspection, now is a good time to do it. Your furnace works 24/7 throughout the winter to keep you comfortable, and over time it loses efficiency. Maintaining your furnace will lower your energy bills, increase system safety and efficiency, extend its life and help prevent common problems this winter. 

A comprehensive tune-up by a reputable company should include these key tasks:

• Lubricate the system to prevent damaging friction.

• Clean and inspect the blower assembly, heat exchanger and other essential components.

• Measure the voltage and current on the motor to ensure they meet system specifications.

• Test the burner combustion and gas pressure for safety and efficiency.

• Check for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

• Measure the flue gases to ensure they comply with system standards.

• Inspect the ventilation system for proper venting of combustion gases.

• Inspect your ductwork for obstructions and loose joints that can restrict airflow.

• Check your thermostat for accuracy and calibrate it if necessary.

• Inspect the wiring and terminals for corrosion, and apply a nonconductive coating.

Maintaining the efficiency of your system is essential for season-long comfort and savings. These tips will help you lessen the load on your furnace to keep it operating efficiently all winter long:

• Check your furnace's air filter every month. When it's caked with dust, replace it with a good-quality, pleated filter. A dirty filter restricts the air flow to your system and can cause overheating and expensive related damage.

• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades to push warm air down and throughout your rooms, keeping you comfortable at lower thermostat settings.

• Seal around doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping to keep warm air in and cold air out. The typical home loses up to 20 percent of conditioned air through leaky doors and windows.

If you would like to schedule your furnace inspection with one of our qualified technicians in the Broken Arrow area, please feel free to contact us at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Three Pollutants Homeowners Should Monitor For

The air quality in your Oklahoma home is important. Any number of pollutants could be hanging around waiting to cause trouble. Among the most concerning pollutants that homeowners should worry about are radon, carbon monoxide and mold.

Radon: This odorless, colorless gas naturally rises from soil and bedrock. It makes its way into the home through cracked floors, dirt floors and poorly sealed basements. High levels of this gas can increase a person's chance of developing lung cancer. Radon detectors can be found at most hardware stores and are the only way to test for the presence of radon in your home. You can prevent the buildup of radon in your home by properly sealing windows, doors and any cracks in the basement and foundation of your home.  Luckily for the Tulsa area, this is not a common pollutant we are faced with.

Carbon Monoxide: Also called CO, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. CO is generated by the fuel-burning process, such as gas stoves, furnaces and water heaters. Over-exposure to the gas can cause CO to build up in the blood stream, resulting in headaches, nausea, dizziness and even death. The only way to detect CO in your home is with a carbon monoxide detector. Avoid high levels of CO by properly ventilating your home. You should also only use approved heaters and furnaces to heat your home. If you believe there are high levels of CO in your home leave the house and call local professionals.

Mold: Mold is a biological pollutant that grows in damp conditions. These conditions can be caused by high humidity, leaking pipes or a high condensation rate. Mold can cause an array of heath problems, from simple eye irritation to life threatening allergic reactions. Signs of mold growth include a musty smell and discoloration of floors, walls or ceilings. You can remove small growths of mold through aggressive cleaning. The best way to control mold growth is through proper ventilation, not allowing wet conditions to prevail in the home and by the use of ultraviolet light irradiation technology in the HVAC system.

To find out more about common air pollutants and other HVAC information contact Air Assurance, serving the Broken Arrow area for more than 20 years.

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Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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CO Poisoning: It Can Be a Year-Round Concern

CO Poisoning: It Can Be a Year-Round Concern

We tend to think that CO poisoning is a hazard only in the cooler months when the house is closed up tightly and the fireplace and furnace are running. Nothing could be further from the truth, however, because carbon monoxide (CO) knows no season. If you enjoy boating, camping, barbecuing, or have an attached garage, you could be at risk. Carbon monoxide occurs as the result of incomplete combustion of fuels. It's invisible and has no odor. CO replaces oxygen in the blood stream and in high enough quantities, it can be fatal. Since it's undetectable without CO alarms, it's important to avoid situations where it could be present, like:

• At the back of an idling boat. When your boat motor runs, it emits CO. If you're trolling or idling, take care to avoid sitting too long near the motor.

• Barbecuing in the garage. Regardless of the weather, it's never a good idea to barbecue in the garage.

• Using gas-powered lawn equipment like lawn mowers or leaf blowers close to open windows can spew CO into your home.

• Running gas-powered equipment in your garage for any length of time. If your garage is attached to your home, CO poisoning can be a hazard year-round. Unless the connecting door has a tight seal, it can seep into your home. Check the common wall between the garage, as well, and caulk around any pipes, wires or cables entering your home. Inspecting the base and top of the common wall will also reveal small cracks that can bring in CO and other fumes from chemicals you store inside the garage.

• Using tent heaters excessively to stay warm while camping or sitting too close to a campfire.

• Using a gas or propane appliance indoors, without having them inspected periodically by a professional. Ideally, your furnace should be professionally maintained annually.

We at Air Assurance are here to help you avoid CO poisoning. If you'd like to improve your heating system's energy efficiency and safety, please contact us. We've provided trusted HVAC services for the Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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Improperly Sealed Garage May Leak Carbon Monoxide Into Your Tulsa-Area Home

When you have an attached garage, there's always a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) entering your home through the door that connects your home to the garage. Another less visible source of CO coming into your home lies at the wall that connects the garage and the house or an attic hatch in your garage. A study conducted by the Canadian government found that homes with attached garages had traces of benzene inside them, a byproduct of gasoline. Parking your car or other fuel-burning appliances like a lawn mower or snow blower can bring CO into your home. Besides the hazards of CO and byproducts from gas or diesel, storing yard chemicals or paints and solvents can also degrade your indoor air quality.In order to avoid having hazardous chemicals from the garage in your indoor air, employ these strategies to cut the risk:

• Check the weatherstripping on the adjoining door and replace it if it's worn. Removing the residue from the old weatherstripping will give you a tighter seal when you apply the fresh product.

• Inspect the sill and joist plates in the garage. Fill any cracks or crevices with caulk. If you have pipes, wires or cables that enter your home from the garage, look closely to be sure that there are no gaps that could bring in carbon monoxide. Anytime your HVAC system turns on, it could pull air through those points. Seal them with caulk or expanding foam if they're larger.

• Look at the seal between the attic hatch and the ceiling in your garage. If your home has a forced air HVAC system and you have leaks in the ductwork, it's possible for the ducts to pull CO out of the garage and into your home. If your attic hatch isn't sealed, apply weatherstripping to tighten the connection or install an attic tent.

If you would like more information about the hazards of CO and an attached garage, or would like your ductwork tested for leaks, contact Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Geothermal. We've provided HVAC services for the Broken Arrow region since 1985.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Gas Furnace Safety: Tips For Protecting Your Loved Ones

Broken Arrow will soon be exposed to the cold weather of winter. This means that you will be depending more and more on your furnace to keep you and your family warm and comfortable. However, because you will be using your furnace much more this winter, you should be sure to keep in mind these gas furnace safety tips.

• Carbon monoxide (CO) detector – All gas furnaces produce a small amount of CO that is relatively harmless. However, if the furnace is not properly functioning, or your home is not being ventilated properly, CO could build up to a dangerous level. A CO detector is necessary due to the fact that CO is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas.

• Gas meter and shutoff valve – Your gas meter and the incoming shutoff valve should both be easily accessible. It should be easy for you to turn off the gas in case something goes wrong, as this could prevent a real emergency. Make sure it is not covered so that it is easily accessible by gas utility technicians.

• Check for gas leaks – Gas leaks are usually easy to find. You can usually smell it if there is a gas leak, not to mention the fact that you’ll be able to see the gas build up on the floor around the furnace.

• Keep the furnace clean – Keep the area around your furnace clean and clear. Do not place anything flammable nearby. Also, make sure to change the filter on a regular basis. A dirty filter will make the airflow much less efficient and result in the furnace working much harder than it should.

• Professional inspection – Have a professional technician inspect your furnace. He or she will be able to do a thorough job cleaning all the components as well as checking for any damages that need to be repaired.

Keeping warm during the winter is important, but so is keeping in mind these gas furnace safety tips. For more information about your furnace, contact Air Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide Broken Arrow with the best HVAC service available.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

All Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Not Created Equal

Each year, approximately 200 people are killed from carbon monoxide poisoning. There are thousands of injuries suffered as well. For this reason, everyone should have carbon monoxide detectors in their home.There are two different types of carbon monoxide detectors available for home use. One type of carbon monoxide detector is powered by your home current. These types of detectors are simply plugged into a household wall socket. Other types of carbon monoxide detectors are powered by batteries. Either type of detector should be tested often to ensure that they are working properly. Carbon monoxide detectors that run on batteries will need to have their batteries changed a couple of times each year.A carbon monoxide detector that plugs in to a wall socket is comparable in price to the unit that runs on batteries. The home-powered detectors require less upkeep and will be effective for up to 5 years. The downside, is that they don't work when there is no power.  Often, this is when they are best utilized, when the power is out, and people are using generators, fireplaces, or other appliances to get heat.A carbon monoxide detector that runs on batteries is able to be more conveniently located, as it is an independent unit. They do not give up-to-date information as frequently as the home-powered detector. These types of detectors generally require a manual reset. However, when the power is out, they are ready for the challenge.Many "store-bought" detectors are better than no detector at all.  However,  most of them do not alert you of high levels of CO until 70 PPM after 30-45 minutes of contamination.  This is an acceptable range, however, many children and seniors can't accept these levels of CO for that long without strong affects.Then, there are "advanced" detectors.  These are more of an investment up front, but can detect much lower levels of CO, and even have displays that read the actual PPM levels, so that you can always be sure if you have a potential problem or not, before it gets to an emergency level.Remember, the sensors that detect CO can only be good for so long.  Read your owner's manuals to see when they recommend you to change the detectors.  Some sensors are only recommended to remain in use for 3 years to remain accurate.When choosing which carbon monoxide detector is best for your home you will want to be sure that they are approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. You will also want to be sure that you buy a detector for every level of your home.Air Assurance can assist you in your decision on which type of carbon monoxide detector to use, as well as where to place them in your home. Serving Broken Arrow and the Tulsa area, we are here when you need us. For more information and expert advice,  contact us today!Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Don't Risk An Uninvited Guest -- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous gas that can accumulate in buildings. The most dangerous attribute of this gas is that it is undetectable to human senses. Without a carbon monoxide detector, the only way to know that carbon monoxide levels are too high is after the onset of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Not only can carbon monoxide detectors save your family from an invisible threat, but they are inexpensive and easy to install.What makes carbon monoxide so dangerous is its similarity in structure to oxygen. This similarity enables the carbon monoxide to bond with the hemoglobin in blood cells. After bonding with the blood cell, carbon monoxide eliminates that blood cell's ability to transport oxygen to other cells. The effects of carbon monoxide are cumulative.Fortunately, carbon monoxide detectors are affordable and reliable. As a bonus, these detectors often require little maintenance and some can provide regular readouts on the carbon monoxide levels in the room. These detectors generally come in one of two styles. The most affordable style is the battery operated detector. Due to the power limitations of the battery, these detectors utilize a passive sensing system to monitor carbon monoxide levels. The other type of detector utilizes an electrical current from the building. This increases the available power and allows the detector to use a more advanced detection system (however, if the power is out, so are these detectors). Regardless of style, all detectors are required by law to conform to certain minimum standards of sensitivity.  And while having a detector that passes these standards is better than not having one at all, these standards are very minimal.  There are other detectors on the market that read lower levels, alert you at those lower levels, and still do not require actual electric power to maintain it's sophistication.It is generally recommended to have at least one detector per floor and a detector in each room where people sleep. Most people killed or seriously injured from carbon monoxide poisoning were exposed to the gas while asleep. A principle symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is fatigue. As a result, most people exposed to dangerous levels of the gas while asleep will not regain consciousness until they have been treated with oxygen.For more information on carbon monoxide detectors, please feel free to contact the professionals at Air Assurance. Air Assurance proudly serves the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!      

Which CO Detector Should I Buy? Is There A Difference?

Carbon monoxide is very hard to detect. It is colorless and orderless, yet even in small concentrations can be very dangerous to you and your loved ones. This toxic gas can be produced by many things in your home, including a gas stove, furnace, fireplace, water heater or a car that is started in an attached closed garage. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in your home to alert you to a rise in this dangerous gas in your environment.There are various manufacturers of carbon monoxide detectors, so you may be wondering if they are all the same, and if one is recommended over another. The answer is, yes, there are vast differences in the models available on the market today. It is critical to understand the differences, so we will review those shortly. First, we want to share with you some basic facts relating to the critical life saving benefits of superior carbon monoxide detectors.Most carbon monoxide detectors available are just not sensitive enough to detect lower levels of the dangerous gas. The majority of these detectors only sound an alarm after they have detected carbon monoxide at a level of 70ppm, for two hours or more. Studies show that a person can begin to feel sick, even experiencing flu-like symptoms, when they have been exposed to levels in the 35ppm range! Additionally, the elderly, the very young or those who have certain health challenges can be adversely affected by even lower levels of carbon monoxide.Let's go over those critical differences between the model that we recommend, the NSI 3000 Low Level Monitor, as compared to the typical units widely available. The features listed below are benefits of the NSI 3000.

• Initial visual, within 30 seconds, at 5ppm

• Low audible alert, after 5 minutes, at 15ppm

• High audible alert, after 5 minutes, at 35ppm

• Crisis level alert, after 30 seconds, at 70ppm

• Continuous on-screen digital display

• Display range of 5ppm - 999ppm

• Converts to convenient tabletop use

• Response instructions printed on unit

• Maximum protection for all ages

If you have a CO detector already, that's great, you are in the minority and you should be complimented!  Here's a few other tips that might help in keeping you safe with the units you already have.1.  Mount the unit close to eye level.  CO is unlike smoke, it doesn't rise, so mounting the unit at where you're most likely to breathe is a good idea.2.  Mount the unit at least on every level of the home, or if it's a larger ranch style home, mount them at each end of the home, or close to often used bedrooms.3.  Do not use the plug in style.  Most CO contamination happens when the power is out (generators, fireplaces, other gas heating appliances).  Not only is this style mounted near the floor (where most outlets are located), but they can't operate when the power is out, therefore not giving you the alarm when it might be most needed.4.  Replace your CO detectors once ever 3-5 years.  The sensors on CO detectors are very sensitive, and loose their sensitivity over time.5.  If your CO detector alarm sounds, get out of the house, leave the door open to provide some fresh air and call the gas company or emergency responders.We provide indoor air quality solutions for our customers that help keep them safe from threats like CO.  Contact us today for a home evaluation.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about CO detectors and other HVAC topics, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.  To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.