Thomas J. Fannon & Sons

Things have been heating up indoors ever since outdoor temperatures started dropping. As you use your furnace, water heater or other fuel-burning appliance, you need to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). This colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, after all, can find its way into your living spaces if any of these devices aren’t working or vented properly. Check out these four tips to protect yourself and your family from this harmful byproduct this winter.

Use generators outdoors. If you have a portable generator and you need to use it after a sudden power outage, make sure to place it as far away from your home as possible. It should be in a well-ventilated space away from all doors, windows and vents.

Clean the fireplace flue. Before lighting up the fireplace, see to it that the flue is thoroughly cleaned. While you can do this job yourself, having a professional do it for you is recommended to ensure there are no clogs inside the flue and prevent CO from getting trapped inside your house.

Schedule a furnace inspection. It doesn’t matter if your furnace runs on oil or otherwise: you need to have it inspected by a certified HVAC repair technician. This way, the professional can determine if all of its working parts are in good condition. Carbon monoxide leaks, which are rare, can occur when the burner is faulty or there’s a problem with the vents.

Invest in carbon monoxide alarms. Early detection is your first line of defense against the threat of a carbon monoxide leak. If you have existing CO alarms, test them out and replace the batteries if needed. Know when to replace them as well. An alarm should last between five and seven years before it needs to be replaced with a new one.

Thomas J. Fannon & Sons is committed to providing quality products and workmanship. Whether you need fuel oil for your furnace or a comprehensive inspection of your heating system this winter, we’ve got you covered. Call (703) 549-5700 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.