As a homeowner, it’s important that your house is a safe place for you and your family, which is why you need to actively work to prevent carbon monoxide leaks from occuring. Although you might think that carbon monoxide poisoning won’t happen to you, each year in the U.S., around 50,000 people go to the emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 400 people die from it. This is one statistic you definitely do not want to be a part of, which is why our team at Evergreen Home Buyers has compiled a list of 5 tips to help you prevent a carbon monoxide leak in your home so you can live happy and healthy without worry.

1. Installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector
The first and perhaps most obvious way to safeguard your home from a carbon monoxide leak is by installing a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every level of the house, preferably interconnected so that when one alarm sounds, they all do. You also need to test the detectors frequently and replace the batteries about every 6-12 months to keep them functioning properly.

2. Paying Attention to Signs and Symptoms
Beyond installing a carbon monoxide detector, one way to protect yourself and your family is by paying attention to signs and symptoms. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer, meaning you won’t be able to identify it through smell, sight, or taste. Instead, you need to be familiar with the symptoms, which include dull headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, confusion, and chest pain. You can also watch for signs such as fallen soot in your fireplace or brownish-yellow stains around leaking appliances.

3. Scheduling an Annual Inspection
To prevent a carbon monoxide leak in your home, scheduling an annual inspection is critical for any fuel-burning appliances you may have, including your furnace, hot water heater, chimney, and wood-burning stove, to name a few. These areas of your home should be inspected and cleaned by a licensed professional no less than once a year to prevent any potential issues.

4. Minding Your Vents
One thing you may not have realized that is super important with preventing carbon monoxide leaks is minding your vents. We recommend you regularly walk around your home and ensure all ventilation systems are clear from debris or other obstructions – check your floor vents, dryer vents, chimneys, etc. These ventilation systems must not get clogged up, or you risk creating carbon monoxide buildup in your home.

5. Being Vigilant
Being vigilant is probably the best advice we can give regarding preventing carbon monoxide leaks. Knowing which appliances are at risk of producing carbon monoxide, keeping your grill outdoors, and opening the garage door when you’re warming up your car are all great ways to remain vigilant. Making these minor things a habit can prevent a small oversight from turning into full-blown carbon monoxide poisoning.

Final Thoughts
Carbon monoxide poisoning is terrifying because it cannot be detected through our innate senses. However, if you integrate these 5 tips into your regular routines, you can work to stop carbon monoxide poisoning in its tracks. But what happens if you begin to experience several of these issues in your home at once? Well, there is another option.

At Evergreen Home Buyers, we will purchase your home AS IS, making the process entirely hands-off for you with no repairs, inspections, appraisals, or contingencies necessary. Plus, we can close in as little as two weeks! So, for a completely quick and painless way to sell your home for cash faster, visit www.selltoevergreenjax.com today.