Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It’s officially winter here in the South Texas area. That means the Holidays are in full swing, and we'll be heading into 2023 before we know it! Having said that, we wanted to bring up a subject that doesn’t get too much attention.

 Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Let’s face it, Carbon Monoxide Detectors don’t get the same notoriety it’s detector Cousin, the Fire Detector/ Smoke Alarm, so we thought to sound the alarm on this very necessary detector you should have in installed in your residential dwelling.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless gas that is formed by the incomplete combustion of burning fuels. When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in their bodies and lead to what is commonly known as Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

This toxic gas is not only odorless, but it is also tasteless, colorless, and because it is nearly undetectable without the use of a Carbon Monoxide Detector, it can be deadly.

The statistics on average; show us that about that approximately 400 people die from unintentional CO exposure in the United States every year, 170–200 of those people die as a result of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning that is produced from non-automotive Consumer Products, and despite the fact that Carbon Monoxide Detectors are easy to install, an estimated 70% of residential dwellings in the US are not protected by Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are more likely to have Carbon Monoxide issues. Common sources in residential homes include fuel-burning appliances and devices such as:

• Hot Water Heaters
• Clothes Dryers
• Gas Stoves/ Cooktops/ Ranges
• Some power tools
• Lawn Equipment
• Wood Stoves
• BOTH Wood burning and Gas Fireplaces
• Furnaces/ Heaters
• Automobiles
• Generators

How do you know if Carbon Monoxide is an issue in your home?

Understanding AND Identifying Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can be difficult, because the symptoms are very similar to symptoms from seasonal Flu. The reason it’s so often called a silent killer; is that most people will ignore early signs, thinking they just have flu-like symptoms and unfortunately can become unconscious or unresponsive and unable to get help.

Most often, the first signs of exposure include mild headache and a bit of difficulty in breathing without much physical movement. Continued exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Eventually symptoms can also lead to confusion, irritability, impaired coordination, and loss of consciousness.

Some indicators that you DON’T have flu are:

• You feel better after leaving your residence.
• Everyone in the residence is experiencing the same symptoms simultaneously.
• Indoor pets/ animals also seem to be ill.
• The People most affected by the illness spend the most time the residence
• Your symptoms appear worse when anyone is using fuel-burning equipment
• No one who seems ill is experiencing the fevers, swollen glands, or all over body aches that comes with Flu or other upper respiratory issues.

There is good news though, and that is that carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors and keeping up with the maintenance of any fuel burning appliances in and around your home.

The trustworthy Electricians at Bolt Electric can assist with the installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors, as well as any Smoke Detectors you may require to get your home’s safety up to code, as these very important detectors are a vital part of the Electrical code for all residential dwellings.

Bolt Electric can be found servicing all of the areas below; in and around the San Antonio!:

Electrician in San Antonio

Electrician in Alamo Heights

Electrician in Cibolo

Electrician in Converse

Electrician in Garden Ridge

Electrician in Live Oak

Electrician in Schertz

Electrician in Selma

Electrician in Stone Oak

Electrician in Universal City

Electrician in Windcrest

Bolt Electric specializes in both Residential and Commercial Electrical Service and Repair.

 If you’re needing to have any Detectors installed, give us a ring.

Our friendly office staff is waiting to take your call.

BOLT ELECTRIC, LLC

18847 REDLAND ROAD, SUITE 105

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78259

(210) 545-BOLT (2658)