Carbon-Monoxide Alarms Vital for Safe Heating with Wood, Coal, Propane or Oil in Winter

Mountain Buzz

Staff Report

As temperatures drop and residents turn to wood stoves, fireplaces, propane heaters and oil furnaces, safety officials are reminding homeowners about the invisible danger of carbon monoxide — a gas that can be deadly without warning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fuels such as wood, coal, propane, oil or natural gas burn incompletely. Because the gas has no color, smell or taste, people often do not realize it is present until they begin experiencing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea or confusion. In severe cases, exposure can lead to unconsciousness or death.

Across the United States, hundreds of people die each year from accidental carbon-monoxide poisoning, and thousands more seek emergency medical care for exposure. Many of these incidents occur during colder months when heating systems are running regularly.

Fuel-burning appliances — including wood stoves, furnaces, space heaters, fireplaces and boilers — can all produce carbon monoxide. Problems often arise when equipment is improperly installed, poorly vented, or not maintained. Blocked chimneys, cracked heat exchangers, and disconnected flues can allow dangerous levels of CO to accumulate inside a home.

Because the gas is impossible to detect without equipment, safety experts strongly recommend installing carbon-monoxide alarms on every level of the home and near sleeping areas. Alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced as needed.

Regular maintenance of heating equipment is equally important. Annual inspections by qualified technicians can identify issues such as ventilation problems, failing components or soot buildup that could cause harmful CO levels.

Residents who rely on wood heat should ensure chimneys and stovepipes remain clear and free of creosote. Those using propane or oil systems should make sure vents are unobstructed and that appliances are serviced before the peak of winter.

Taking preventive measures now can significantly reduce the risk of carbon-monoxide exposure and help keep families safe throughout the heating season.