The most reliable way to determine whether you have a CO leak is to have fully functional CO detectors in your home on every level and in every room where someone sleeps. Remember to test and replace your detector batteries on a regular basis.
With CO poisoning, you may experience flu-like symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing or feeling ill. If CO is present in your home, you may feel tired at home but fine when away from home. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Carbon monoxide can be fatal within five minutes at high concentrations.
- Don't star up vehicles in your garage without the garage door being open
- Do have fuel burning equipment, like your furnace, inspected annually by a qualified technician – which also helps ensure your appliances are running and using energy efficiently
- Don’t start gasoline-powered equipment in the garage
- Do keep vents and chimneys clear of debris or other blockages
- Don’t use a gas or charcoal grill in your garage
- Do check for visible signs of problems such as high humidity, soot, or water collecting near a burner or vent
- Don’t use a stove or oven as a source of heat in your home; ovens are designed to heat food and should only be operated with the door closed
NIPSCO recommends that you have your natural gas appliances serviced annually by a qualified professional. In addition to keeping your appliances operating at optimal efficiency for energy conservation, this is one of the best ways to prevent carbon monoxide emergencies. For a list of qualified plumbers or contractors, please visit NIPSCO.com/contractors.
