Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning graphic featuring medical symbol and Bosworth Company branding, emphasizing safety and awareness.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When using your heater isn’t an option, many people are concerned about carbon monoxide (CO) – and they’re right to be worried. Known as a “silent killer,” CO kills over 400 people annually – and the majority of those deaths are accidental. That’s why the Bosworth Company is sharing its tips on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Facts About Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The Basics

Carbon monoxide is a gas occurs when you use your heater, gas range, vehicle, or other small appliance with a motor. It builds up in your home or business over time as an invisible, odorless gas. When people or animals breathe it in, it’s often fatal – even a house with proper ventilation cannot guarantee safety. The majority of CO fatalities occur during winter nights when people are most likely to run heating devices for warmth.

What You Can Do

There are a variety of ways to protect yourself and your family from the deadly effects of carbon monoxide. Here are a few quick safety tips to prevent a fatal situation:

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home or office, particularly outside of sleeping areas. Be sure to replace batteries and test these meters regularly.
  • Do not run gas-powered generators or appliances indoors, even in an area with good ventilation.
  • Avoid leaving vehicles idling in closed garages.
  • Have a professional chimney company clean and inspect your chimney, damper, and flue annually.
  • Never use flameless chemical heaters indoors.
  • Do not use gas cooking ranges as a heat source.
  • Schedule a seasonal check with your HVAC company to make sure appliances are properly hooked up to gas sources.

What To Do If Your CO Detector Goes Off

If you hear your carbon monoxide detector go off, it’s critical to get all people and pets outdoors immediately. CO can make a person fall unconscious in a matter of minutes, leaving them unable to escape. Call 911 and do not re-enter the home or business until safety personnel gives you approval to do so.

Get a carbon monoxide safety check for your appliances, heater, and other areas by scheduling an appointment with the Bosworth Company. Our friendly professionals will inspect your home or business to make sure it’s as safe as possible. Schedule yours now.

Winter city park scene with snow-covered trees, benches, and a pathway, illustrating seasonal preparation for winter weather.

Bosworth’s Tips To Prepare For The Winter Season

Winter is here! Is your home ready? It is always best to prepare for winter weather in order to prevent damage to your home. Check out our tips to prepare for the winter season!

  • Do you have water lines that run alongside the exterior of your home? If so, make sure that those lines are insulated to keep them from bursting or freezing.
  • If you’ve been putting off calling insurance on that roof leak, now’s the time! Make sure you make any necessary repairs to your roof.
  • Trim your trees to keep the branches from breaking and falling onto your home or vehicle.
  • Make sure that your walls and attic have enough insulation.
  • Is it time to replace your doors or windows? If so, consider replacing them with insulated doors and storm windows.
  • To keep the cold air from coming in, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Planning on using your wood-burning fireplace? Be sure to have your flue inspected. Contact the local fire department to recommend an inspector.
  • Make sure that you have both a fire detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test both of these detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
  • Get your furnace and boiler inspected. Nothing is worse than your home being cold on a freezing winter night! (This comes with a fall clean and check from Bosworth!)

If you don’t feel confident that your home is ready for winter, and would like for a professional to inspect your system(s), the team at Bosworth is at your service! Call us today for a “clean and check,” which includes:

  • Check, clean or replace filter(s)
  • Clean blower wheel and housing
  • Check electrical connections
  • Clean and adjust connections
  • Clean and adjust burners
  • Clean and check combustion air chamber
  • Check heat exchanger
  • Clean pilot assembly
  • Lubricate motors as required
  • Check and calibrate thermostat(s)
  • Check, adjust or replace belt