Possible Sources of Carbon Monoxide in Homes

Homeowners should increase their awareness of carbon monoxide by understanding what places or items in the home produce this gas:

• Charcoal Grills – Burning charcoal releases CO. This is why grilling is done outside in order to let the gas escape into the atmosphere.
• Fireplaces and Furnaces – Fireplaces and furnaces require chimneys and flues in order to let the deadly gas to vent upwards.
• Lawn Mowers – Lawnmowers are strictly for outdoor uses only.
• Generators – Generators must be set up outside the home in order to avoid the accumulation of CO indoors.
• Motor Vehicles – Garage doors must be kept open while the car’s engine is still on. Never idle a vehicle inside a garage.
• Power Tools – Always use power tools with internal combustion engines near windows or areas where CO can be vented out.
• Stoves – Maintain the flue of your stoves and clean it every so often to avoid the build of carbon which can potentially release more CO in the home.
• Space Heaters – Buy vented space heaters instead of unvented ones. Use proper fuel specific to your heater.