How Carbon Monoxide Testing Could Save Your Life

With winter just weeks away and the weather getting increasingly cooler, many of us will be running our heating systems more frequently.

In these times, it becomes important to consider the risks that carbon monoxide gas can pose and the value that carbon monoxide testing can provide.

Exposure to carbon monoxide spillage in significant amounts has harmful effects, and those effects can take hold from just one incident. Therefore, it is necessary to perform carbon monoxide testing if you suspect you might have faulty gas appliances that could spring a leak.

It will determine the presence (or lack) of the potentially lethal gas to ascertain whether you and your family might be vulnerable to carbon monoxide exposure.

How Does Carbon Monoxide Form?

Before we look at diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning and the effects that it can have, let’s first look at how this colourless and odourless gas forms.

Carbon monoxide (CO) differs from carbon dioxide (CO²) in that it consists of one carbon and one oxygen atom compared to CO²’s one carbon and two oxygen molecules. It is the product of the incomplete burning of carbon fuels like natural gas, petrol, wood or coal due to insufficient oxygen in the burning process.

Several types of appliances that use these fuels can produce carbon monoxide, such as:

• Stoves
• Hot water systems
• Gas and wood fireplaces
• Grills
• Generators
• Power tools and
• Mmotor vehicles

However, the highest risk comes from open-flued gas space heaters which can produce CO if the burner is faulty or the room is under negative pressure.

The build-up can occur indoors and can poison both humans and animals. Outdoor heaters also produce carbon monoxide, but they typically present less of a risk due to the adequate ventilation of the outdoor air.

How Does a Carbon Monoxide Test Work?

Testing for carbon monoxide leakage is essential for maintaining a safe home environment, particularly for those using gas appliances.

Here in Australia, carbon monoxide testing typically involves a three-step process that should only ever be conducted by a licensed gas fitter with the necessary equipment. They will:

1. Get a baseline reading of the conditions by running a smoke test with a suitable smoke producing device. You can use a smoke pen or incense stick, for example. Make sure you have all appliances and exhaust fans shut off to determine whether a negative pressure environment exists.
2. Turn on your exhaust fans and run another smoke test – with the appliance still turned off – to again establish whether you have a negative pressure environment.
3. Run the appliance with the exhaust fans on and test for CO spillage.

At this final step, if they detect the presence of carbon monoxide, they will immediately isolate the appliance and eliminate the risk to your household.

The Importance of a CO Detector

We advise homeowners to install a carbon monoxide detector. Australians have used these devices since the early 1990s to monitor carbon monoxide levels in the home. Similar in appearance to a smoke detector, licensed gas fitters can easily install CO detector devices in your home as part of the CO testing process.

Carbon monoxide detectors are particularly crucial in rooms with gas heaters and hot water systems, as they can be potential sources of carbon monoxide leakage. For maximum safety, always have a licensed professional test for carbon monoxide.

Right before the winter season, when we most often use our gas heaters, is best. These detectors provide an audible alarm if unsafe levels of carbon monoxide are present, prompting immediate action to address any leaks.

It’s important to regularly maintain these appliances to prevent the silent threat of carbon monoxide poisoning from affecting your household.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

The symptoms of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu. This is why many people miss the signs of CO poisoning. In addition to flu-like symptoms, other possible symptoms include:

• Dull headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness
• Chest pain

Because carbon monoxide is odourless, you may be unaware that your property has too high CO levels.

Who is at Risk Of CO Poisoning?

In short, everyone risks being affected by carbon monoxide poisoning when gas appliances leak CO in the home. Nobody is immune to the “silent killer”.

However, there is some evidence to suggest that those most susceptible to CO poisoning are individuals with breathing problems, the elderly, and infants.

Because of the undetectable nature of carbon monoxide emissions, falling asleep and being intoxicated in a CO-heavy environment could be fatal.

If you are worried about the risk of a carbon monoxide leak, you are much better off taking action sooner, rather than later.

Preventing CO Leaks in Gas Appliances

The best way to start reducing the risks of CO spillage in your home is to invest in battery-operated CO detectors and have a licensed plumber conduct carbon monoxide tests when necessary. You can also increase safety by regularly having your gas appliances serviced.

Licensed gas fitters should commission all new gas appliances by testing for gas leaks, checking ventilation, setting the correct gas pressure, and verifying safe operation.

When purchasing a new gas appliance, ensure it meets Australian standards and has a national testing agency seal.

What To Do If You Suspect a CO Leak

If you suspect a gas leak and can’t identify the source, get out immediately and contact a licensed gas fitter. At Metropolitan Plumbing, our plumbers operate 24/7*, every day of the year. We can even be at your door within the hour* to conduct thorough carbon monoxide testing.

If you know the source of your gas leak, turn off the gas-powered appliance – if it’s safe to do so – until a professional can arrive to inspect it.

Properly venting your gas appliances will also help to prevent carbon monoxide-related troubles. Horizontal vent pipes for appliances allow CO to dissipate into the air and outside your home.

It is important to never patch up a vent pipe with tape or foreign objects. This can cause CO to build up in your home because it has no way to escape.

Call the Experts in Carbon Monoxide Testing

When it comes to carbon monoxide leaks, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Professional carbon monoxide testing is the best approach to ensure your safety and that of your family.

Contact the team at Metropolitan Plumbing today for more information about our carbon monoxide detection services and gas appliance servicing.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “How Carbon Monoxide Testing Could Save Your Life”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

FAQs About Carbon Monoxide Testing

Do you have any questions about carbon monoxide testing? Keep reading for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.