7 Essential Things You Need To Know
About Carbon Monoxide

The Ultimate Guide On Knowing How To Identify
And Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

If your furnace is aging, you may be searching for HVAC services in Oklahoma. Aging furnaces run a higher risk of having a carbon monoxide or CO leak, and as you may well already know – carbon monoxide is nothing to mess around with or take lightly.

It isn’t called “the silent killer” for nothing – the dangers of CO are unsuspecting and, at times, entirely undetectable given the colorless and odorless nature of the gas.

Determining what steps to take to know, prevent, or deal with a potential CO leak is vital to your and your family’s safety.

Carbon monoxide dangers are intrinsically tied in with your HVAC system in Oklahoma – especially with winter right around the corner.

Here is a comprehensive guide on approaching carbon monoxide and HVAC in Oklahoma.

1. Carbon Monoxide Science Basics: CO Not CO2

When trying to understand carbon monoxide and HVAC Oklahoma solutions, we must first get the basic science and acronyms down.

CO stands for carbon monoxide – the deadly and dangerous poisonous gas we should never inhale in concentrated amounts. It is composed of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom – thus where the “mono” in monoxide comes from – meaning “alone, single, or one.” It is the most simple molecule in the oxocarbon family.

CO2 is a slightly different chemical compound – composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms – thus where the “di” in dioxide is derived – meaning “two, twice, or double.” This slight variation in atoms compared to carbon monoxide makes all the difference between innocuous and deadly.

CO2 is found all around us – from natural sources like volcanos, trees, and the ocean to unnatural sources from factories and manufacturing pollutants.

2. From What Sources Do Carbon Monoxide Originate?

Carbon monoxide is naturally occurring but less so than carbon dioxide. When found in high concentrations it can come from —

• Car exhaust
• Gas stoves
• Gas dryers
• Gas water heaters
• Fireplaces

One primary source of carbon monoxide can be gas furnaces – so it’s essential to have these furnaces occasionally inspected by a trusted HVAC expert in Oklahoma.

3. Carbon Monoxide Is Extremely Dangerous And Deadly

The effects of carbon monoxide on the body are severe. Some of the initial symptoms from heightened CO exposure can be any or all of the following:

• Dull headache
• Impaired judgment
• Shortness of breath
• Increased drowsiness
• Blurring of vision
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Chest pain
• Nausea or vomiting

If not immediately removed from the source of CO, these symptoms will only increase in intensity until the victim is unconscious. The ultimate result of CO poisoning is death in almost all victims.

4. What You Need To Know About CO Detectors

The good news is that there is a solution to safeguard yourself and your family, so you don’t need to worry about this colorless and odorless gas – carbon monoxide alarms.

Carbon monoxide alarms can adequately detect a dangerous CO concentration in your home and sound an alarm – much like a fire alarm would.

They should be installed on each level of your home and at least 5 feet off the ground for maximum safety and CO detection.

5. What To Do In The Event Of A CO Leak In Your Home

If one of your carbon monoxide alarms begins to sound a sequential beeping alert for a CO leak based on its respective user manual – it is time to spring into immediate action.

If a leak is detected in your home, immediately vacate and go outside into fresh air. From that point, call the local fire department, who will come and further assess the situation.

6. What Is HVAC And Why It’s So Important

Hands down, the easiest way to avoid a CO leak altogether is to have a properly maintained HVAC system for your Oklahoma home. One of the best and most cost-effective ways to do this is through a thorough HVAC inspection from a highly reputable HVAC Oklahoma specialist.

Should the HVAC Oklahoma specialist find an issue that needs to be addressed, they must give you honest advice on the appropriate action to take at a fair, upfront price.

This means they must be a highly reputable HVAC Oklahoma company.

7. What Makes A Reputable And Trusted
HVAC Oklahoma Company?

Here is a quick breakdown of what to look for when searching for loved and trusted HVAC Oklahoma companies:

• Their customers leave them raving reviews.
• They put a face to their name.
• They have an A-rating with the BBB.
• They go above and beyond for their customers.

You’ve Already Found Your Trusted
HVAC Oklahoma Specialist

If you’re wondering how you’re ever going to find your HVAC Oklahoma specialist – you already have!

Robinson Air HVAC has officially been in business since 2011, proudly serving Lawton, OK, and the Wichita Falls, TX areas – but their local roots go back much longer than that and into the 1980s. They are the hometown heroes of all things HVAC in Oklahoma and Texas.

If you need an HVAC Oklahoma inspection or any other HVAC services, contact Robinson Air HVAC at (580) 699-5760 or online today!