What Causes Carbon Monoxide in Homes in Garland, TX?

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas that can pose a severe danger to homeowners in Garland, TX. Unlike most types of gas, carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making detecting it difficult without the right equipment. With that in mind, the team at Hop2it Electrical is here to answer the question: What causes carbon monoxide in homes, and how can you avoid it? 

Contact us today to speak to a top electrician in Garland, TX.

How Is Carbon Monoxide Produced?

What causes carbon monoxide in homes? Carbon monoxide is produced due to incomplete combustion of natural gas. During the normal combustion process, natural gas is converted into carbon dioxide, water, and heat energy. However, if fuel doesn’t burn completely, the reaction produces carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide. 

In more technical terms, during incomplete combustion, free carbon atoms from the burning fuel source bond with only one oxygen atom rather than two oxygen atoms. The resulting carbon monoxide molecule is similar to carbon dioxide but much more dangerous. 

Why Is Carbon Monoxide So Dangerous?

When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, preventing them from carrying oxygen throughout the body and to the brain. Carbon monoxide poisoning results in various physical and mental issues and can be fatal in large quantities. 

Carbon monoxide is also heavier than air, so it will replace breathable air in enclosed spaces, such as basements, closets, and crawl spaces. Because it is colorless and odorless, people can inhale large quantities of carbon monoxide without even realizing it. It is not uncommon for people to experience long-term cognitive difficulties only to later discover they have had a leak for months. The dangers of carbon monoxide are why you should always test your detectors at least once every thirty days to determine if they are working correctly. 

Sources of Carbon Monoxide in the Home

Virtually anything that burns a type of fuel can produce carbon monoxide gas. Below are some of the most common causes of carbon monoxide leaks in homes in Garland, TX. 

• Gas Appliances. Gas appliances, such as stoves or furnaces, are one of the major sources of residential carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Heaters. Heaters that burn fuel, such as wood or coal, and space heaters can also produce carbon monoxide. 
• Blocked Chimneys. A blocked furnace and chimneys can cause carbon monoxide buildup.
• Vehicles. Vehicle exhaust from cars, trucks, and motorcycles all contain high concentrations of carbon monoxide. 
• Smoke. Smoke from tobacco products contains small amounts of carbon monoxide that can linger in homes. 
• Grills. Using charcoal or gas grills indoors can result in a buildup of carbon monoxide. 

Many homes in Saginaw, TX, rely on gas furnaces or water heaters, so carbon monoxide poisoning from leaks is a real possibility homeowners need to be aware of. Most homes have carbon monoxide detectors in addition to smoke detectors that will notify you if levels get too high and unsafe.  

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Now that you know what causes carbon monoxide in homes keep an eye out for the signs of poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning affects the brain, so it produces several mental and cognitive symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Fatigue
• Mental fog
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

As a general rule of thumb, exposure to carbon monoxide concentrations greater than 30 parts per million (PPM) is considered dangerous. Exposure to concentrations greater than 150 parts per million can result in death in a matter of hours

What Should I Do If I Have a Carbon Monoxide Leak?

If you suspect you have a carbon monoxide leak, the first thing you should do is vacate your house. Even small amounts of carbon monoxide exposure can be harmful and cause persistent symptoms. If you think it is necessary, seek medical attention for any exposure. 

Next, contact a qualified professional to inspect and fix the leak. They can test your house for CO levels, identify the leak source, and patch it to stop the danger. You won’t be able to stay in your house while the gas leak is being fixed, so make alternate lodging accommodations. 

Once your house is safe to occupy again, contact a professional to double-check or update your carbon monoxide detectors. Good detectors will notify you of elevated CO levels before they become dangerous.