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Where CO Comes From
Inside your home, fuel burning appliances used for heating and cook-
ing are the most likely sources of CO. Vehicles running in attached
garages can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
A by-product of combustion, CO can be a potential problem from a
number of common sources such as – a running automobile, a fur-
nace or water heater leak or misuse of a fireplace, wood stove, char-
coal grill, a gas range and space heater leak or misuse, and running
portable generators where exhaust can enter the home.
When appliances are in good working condition and with proper venti-
lation, lethal CO gas is vented outdoors where it quickly disperses.
Even the slightest malfunction or misuse of any of the above sources
can lead to a build-up of CO in your home that can become deadly
before you even know it’s there.
You don’t have to have ancient appliances to have a CO problem.
Today’s more energy-efficient, airtight home designs can trap CO pol-
luted air inside where it can quickly build to lethal levels.
What You Can do to Protect Your Family
To be safe, know the possible sources of CO in your home. Keep fuel-
burning appliances, their chimneys, and vents in good working condi-
tion. Learn the early symptoms of CO exposure. If you suspect CO
poisoning, move outside to fresh air and get emergency help. A blood
test can confirm that CO has caused the symptoms of CO poisoning.
Your first line of defence is an annual inspection and regular mainte-
nance of your appliances. Contact a qualified Corgi installer or
Transco (British Gas) for assistance.
Remember, problems can begin after an inspection has been complet-
ed. CO can come from sources such as a crack in a furnace heat
exchanger, or a leak in a water heater vent or a bird’s nest blocking a
flue. Other sources of CO are nearly impossible to detect; even a
change in the air pressure outside can turn a normally safe situation
deadly. That’s why you need the 24-hour protection provided by a CO
Alarm.
Home Safety Tips
What You Can Do...
• Buy only appliances approved by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory.
• Choose fuel-burning appliances that can be vented to the outdoors.
• Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s
instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be
installed by professionals and should be inspected by the proper
authority after installation.
Normal Operation
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