Malfunctioning gas furnaces are the number-one cause of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. Other home appliances, such as stoves, water heaters, dryers, kerosene heaters and generators can also emit this deadly gas!

Maintaining your appliances

Sources of deadly carbon monoxide (CO) include furnaces, gas stoves and ovens, kerosene heaters, generators, vehicles and any other items that burn fuel. When these items are maintained and used correctly, they can be perfectly safe. It is when they malfunction or are used inappropriately, such as without adequate ventilation, that they become dangerous. To prevent carbon monoxide from affecting those you love, here are some tips:

• Furnaces - Malfunctioning home furnaces cause up to 18.5% of all accidental carbon monoxide poisonings in the United States. Make sure all furnace work is done by a licensed heating contractor. Get your furnace inspected each fall before the winter heating season to make sure it is operating properly.
• Clothes Dryers - If your clothes dryer is heated by gas, make sure it is properly vented to the outdoors. Venting should be a hard-sided dryer vent, not flexible tubing. Make sure the dryer vent does not become plugged with lint.
• Stoves - Make sure your stove burners are burning cleanly. The flame should be blue, not orange. Never use the stove or oven for heating!
  
• Cars - Never warm up your car in the garage, even with the door open. The fumes can build up in the garage. If the garage is attached, they can seep into the home. Always warm up your car outdoors.
• Kerosene Heaters - These heaters are designed to be used with ventilation and must be exceptionally well maintained. They are not recommended for heating homes. Consider other heat sources, such as portable electric heaters.
• Generators -Never run a generator in your home, garage or basement. If you are concerned about theft of an outdoor generator, invest in a lock.
• Gas Grills - Never barbeque in the garage. Keep your gas grill ten feet (10') away from open doors and windows and out from under overhangs.

The Michigan Department of Community Health also has an excellent fact sheet about carbon monoxide prevention.

For more information, contact the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan at (616) 241-3300.