Winter is Here, Time to Double Check Those Carbon Monoxide Detectors

ZANESVILLE, OH – With the changing of the seasons, it serves as a good reminder to check your carbon monoxide detector.

Amanda DePerro, the Senior Communications Specialist with Columbia Gas of Ohio, says a CO leak can happen when a natural gas appliance burns the gas improperly.

She says to make sure your appliances are checked by a qualified contractor before you begin to run them for the cold weather ahead.

“Make sure that you know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, those are kind of like flu-like symptoms.” DePerro said. “You know headaches, nausea, dizziness, and if you’re experiencing any of those inside your home and you feel the fine outside your home, that’s kind of a warning sign, a red flag that you might be experiencing carbon monoxide leak.”

DePerro says another way to avoid a CO leak is to have any outside pipes or vents cleared out.

She says leaves, dirt, and sticks can build up in chimneys which can lead to water sitting on top, freezing, and creating a big headache for homeowners.

“Also, we always ask our customers, make sure that your natural gas meter, outside of your home, make sure that there’s a clear path to it.” DePerro said. “As you’re shoveling your driveway, if we get some snow, shoveling your sidewalks and your driveway, make sure you kind of shovel a clear path to that natural gas meter and we ask customer to keep that clear of snow and ice as well.”

For more information about Columbia Gas, you can head to their website.