Each winter season, we hear from a number of our customers who ask if they should have a carbon monoxide detector in their home. The simple answer is yes, if your home has any fuel burning appliances. Many North Texas homes have a gas fueled furnace as part of their central heating unit. Other homes have a gas cooking range. Wood burning or gas burning fire places are common in our area. Gas fueled hot water heaters and clothes dryers can also be a factor.  Some older homes still have open space heaters.  Any of these fuel burning units can emit dangerous and odorless carbon monoxide fumes if not working properly or if home ventilation is insufficient.

When a Cogburn’s technician checks your central air heating each season, they always do a carbon monoxide, or C0, measurement to make certain your unit is working properly and safely. But, it is essential that you continue to monitor your home for the dangerous gas throughout the winter season. Dangerous fumes you cannot smell from any fuel burning source can overcome anyone within minutes. Reactions to the fumes can range from mild headaches to unconsciousness to even death. This is especially dangerous during the nighttime hours when you and your family are asleep. The fumes can make it impossible for the body to carry oxygen, so prevention and detection are essential.

Simple carbon monoxide detectors generally cost around $20.00 to $40.00. We recommend at least one detector per home and purchasing detectors that are verified by Underwriters Laboratory. We also recommend finding a detector that is powered both by your home electrical current and a backup battery.

If you have two story home, it is essential to have at least one per floor.  If you and your family begin to feel ill or faint at any time and suspect the source is carbon monoxide, do not hesitate to leave the home immediately and call 911.

We always recommend having a Cogburn’s expert perform a maintenance and safety check of your heating unit at the beginning of each winter season. Our carbon monoxide safety check can also alert you to any other appliances that may be faulty at the time of the check.

If you have not had your furnace checked for the winter, call us today for an appointment. Cogburn’s Heating and Air has been serving the greater Denton area since 1999 with reliable and honest service. We are experts on all brands and have an “A” rating by the BBB. We look forward to hearing from you.