Does A Carbon Monoxide Detector Detect A Gas Leak In Houston
One of the things you have to perform as a homeowner is to protect your family and your home from disasters like break-ins, floods, and fires. You could also think about dangers that might be in the air you breathe. When it comes to CO, you may be asking yourself if a CO detector will find a gas leak in Houston.
The quick answer is "Not from natural gas," but carbon monoxide detectors are still a big piece of your family’s home security system. Here's what you need to understand when monitoring against gas that might invade your home.
Carbon monoxide and natural gas are not the same
While natural gas and CO might be linked, it's imperative to understand the difference between the two. A natural gas leak can spring up in some strategic places, usually in areas where your gas line comes into your house or in the space of your furnace. These leaks should be seen as a hazard because natural gas is flammable, and there is a huge possibility of explosions and fires. Of course, you have a chance to notice leaks faster because of a marker that makes a rotten-egg smell. If you detect the smell you immediately get a hold of your utility company directly and vacate the premises.
CO Is An Odorless, Unseen Threat To Your Life
Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas which is a byproduct of incomplete or improper burning of fuel. It typically enters your residence with a faulty gas fireplace, furnace, or clothes dryer. While it’s not as common as natural gas, it is still flammable. But the more urgent menace is with your health. Carbon monoxide won’t have the rotten-egg additives found in natural gas, resulting in an odorless "silent killer."
CO stops your brain from getting the oxygen it needs
After CO come into your lungs, it stops blood from distributing the oxygen your body requires. Essentially, CO can suffocate you, and it's extremely toxic to toddlers and babies who breath more shallow and whose lungs are still developing. When you encounter CO poisoning, you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathing difficulties. Extended exposure might lead to passing out or death.
Carbon monoxide detectors are one of the most important security components
While a carbon monoxide detector may not detect a natural gas leak in Houston, it may save lives by notifying you to this odorless and lethal byproduct. The largest hazard happens at night when you sleep, as you probably won't notice what's going on. Then again, even if in the same room, you're still unlikely to notice that carbon monoxide has invaded your living areas.
So equate a CO detector as you would a smoke detector. Install these components higher up on your walls or ceiling as CO is slightly lighter than air. Each story of your home should see at least one detector. And it's highly recommended to put one them near bedrooms. Furthermore, you should test your CO detectors each month.
Link your carbon monoxide detectors into your smart home
When you pair your carbon monoxide detector with your home security system, you put in another blanket of safety. Not only will you have accurate CO detection, but you can also get mobile alerts and a professional response from your dedicated round-the-clock monitoring agents. Monitoring is definitely needed with a carbon monoxide leak, as they’ll make sure the right people will arrive even if you cannot make it to the phone yourself.