It’s Time to Test Your CO Detector

Cold weather (or even colder weather) is on the way and if you have a gas furnace, you need to test your CO detector. Keep reading for details on how to test your CO detector and give us a call, 919-755-1957, if you do not have one. We can be right over to install one for you!

What is a CO Detector?

A carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) gas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that is slightly less dense than air. It is produced from the burning of carbon-based substances. Carbon-based substances include wood, paper, coal, cloth, etc. Natural gas also contains carbon. This is why it is important to have well-ventilated furnances.

CO is poisonous because when you breathe it into your lungs, it binds to your red blood cells and prevents those cells from carrying O2 to your organs.

As we said, CO is invisible and does not give off a smell. That is why it is extremely important to not only have a CO detector but to test it.

Source: IPCBlog.org

How to Test a CO Detector

First things first, you need to make sure your detector is installed correctly and that you have enough of them for your house. You should have at least one detector per floor. To test the detector, press the ‘Test’ button on each CO detector to ensure it is drawing electrical power. It will emit a high-pitched, loud beeping if it is.

Don’t Have a CO Detector?

Give us a call at 919-755-1957 and we will install one for you. We will also test it while we are there and explain to you how it works. If your heating system ever seems a bit “off”, has a funny smell, is making an unusual noise, or is not quite doing the job, call us while the problem is still small!