Carbon monoxide detector can be a lifesaver

February 3, 2009

I moved into a new home and someone said I need to get a carbon monoxide detector. What is it and why do I need it?

We think every home that has a combustion appliance, such as a gas furnace or wood burning stove or fireplace, should have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, poisonous gas produced whenever any fuel such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. When operating correctly, furnaces, stoves and fireplaces are completely safe. However, when they're operating or burning incorrectly they can produce carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of poisoning death in the United States, resulting in some 500 deaths annually, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The agency estimates that half the unintentional carbon monoxide poisonings could have been prevented with a CO detector in the home.

"For peace of mind install a CO detector," said Dave Sauerbrey, fire marshal with Clark County Fire District 5, Vancouver. "It is not as critical as having a smoke alarm, but if you have gas burning appliances, a wood burning stove or space heaters that use fuels, the CO detector can alert you if any are not working perfectly. The gas can be detected before it becomes harmful to occupants."

Certified models

Alarms can be purchased in hardware and home improvement stores. Sauerbrey recommends buying one that is certified as meeting the Underwriters Laboratories standard 2034. However, consider the CO detector only as a back-up to the proper maintenance and use of these devices. They are no substitute for having your furnace or woodstove professionally checked regularly to make sure it is operating correctly. Also make sure chimneys are in good repair, clean and properly sealed, and vents and flues are properly installed.

"Don't let a CO detector lull you into a false sense of security," Sauerbrey said. "It's important to know this technology is still developing so do some research and don't select one only on price. There are lots of organizations that can help the consumer."

Here are other safety tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in the home:

-- Operate gas-fired portable generators outdoors at least 10 feet from your house to keep fumes from seeping into the home.

-- Open the flue when using the fireplace and do not close it until the fire is dead and the ashes are cold to the touch.

-- Make sure your woodstove doors are tight and the unit is certified to meet EPA emission standards.

-- Never use a charcoal grill indoors.

-- Warm up the car outdoors, not in an attached garage, and never run the car with the garage door down.