The Silent Threat: Why Every Home Needs a Carbon Monoxide Detector

November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading the word about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. For me, this is not just a reminder; it’s deeply personal. Last November, I lost my grandparents, Dave and Geneva Urch—known as Nini and Papa to us grandkids—to carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s hard to put into words the heartbreak of their loss, especially knowing that a simple, $30 CO detector could have saved their lives. Papa slipped away in his sleep, and my grandmother endured weeks of suffering before she passed.

As we honor their memory, I want to share the facts about CO poisoning and steps you can take to protect your home and family from this silent killer.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, often called the “silent killer.” It’s produced when fuels like gas, wood, coal, or propane are burned in furnaces, water heaters, boilers, gas stoves, cars, and generators. When these appliances aren’t properly vented or maintained, CO can leak into the home undetected, leading to dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences.

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

CO poisoning occurs when CO accumulates in the bloodstream. Hemoglobin binds with CO far more readily than with oxygen, which means that even a small amount of CO in the air can quickly build up to toxic levels. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue, which can often be mistaken for the flu. But in higher concentrations or prolonged exposure, CO can cause loss of consciousness, brain damage, and death.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks in the Home

Here are steps you can take to prevent CO from entering your home:

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance: Gas-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, boilers, and generators, should be inspected annually by a qualified technician. Regular maintenance ensures these units are venting properly and are safe to operate.
2. Ventilation is Key: Always make sure that chimneys, vents, and flues are unobstructed and properly ventilated to the outdoors. Blockages or leaks in ventilation systems can cause CO to build up indoors.
3. Never Use a Generator Indoors: Running a generator in an enclosed space like a garage can cause CO to build up very quickly. Generators should only be used outdoors, well away from windows and doors.
4. Don’t Use Gas Stoves for Heating: Gas stoves should never be used to heat a home. Not only is this an inefficient way to warm a space, but it can also release significant amounts of CO. Use only properly vented appliances for home heating.
5. Avoid Idling Cars in Garages: Even with the garage door open, idling a car inside can result in CO buildup that seeps into your home. Always move the car outside if you need to idle it.

Protect Yourself and Your Family: The Role of CO Detectors

A reliable CO detector is your best defense against CO poisoning. It’s a small investment—usually around $30—that can make a life-saving difference. Here’s how to ensure your detectors are effective:

• Install CO Detectors on Every Level of Your Home: Detectors should be placed outside sleeping areas and near fuel-burning appliances. Make sure every level of your home has at least one detector.
• Test Detectors Monthly: Just like a smoke alarm, CO detectors need to be tested regularly to ensure they’re working. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for testing.
• Change Batteries Regularly: Many detectors will alert you when the battery is low, but it’s best to replace the batteries every 6-12 months, just to be safe.
• Replace Detectors Every 5-7 Years: Even if they seem to be working, CO detectors lose sensitivity over time. Check the lifespan recommended by the manufacturer and replace your units as needed.

Here are a couple easy and cheap options that you can get on Amazon (these are NOT affiliate links):

First Alert CO605 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup - https://a.co/d/1Yns0Kw

Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, AA Battery Powered CO Alarm with LEDs - https://a.co/d/aYOtZgU

Honor My Grandparents’ Legacy: Make CO Safety a Priority

The tragic loss of my grandparents, could have been prevented. It’s heartbreaking to think that a $30 detector could have saved their lives. My hope is that sharing their story will encourage others to protect their homes and loved ones from the same risk.

Please take the time this month to review CO safety in your own home. A few simple steps—installing detectors, checking ventilation, and ensuring proper appliance maintenance—can make all the difference. Let’s work together to keep our homes safe, one CO detector at a time.

In memory of Nini and Papa, please share this message with friends and family.

- Randy Dallaire: Owner/Technician - DallAire Heating and Cooling