Winter is coming, meaning more time indoors. When windows and doors are sealed against the cold, the chances of carbon monoxide contamination increase. This winter, learn and understand the dangers of carbon monoxide and ways to reduce the risk.

What Is CO?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is toxic to humans and animals. Therefore the real danger of CO is that it can make you ill, or even kill you, before you even realize that it’s there. Even low levels of carbon monoxide exposure can cause flu-like symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and disorientation. The effects of CO poisoning can vary depending on a person’s age, general health, how much they have been exposed to, and for how long.

Where Does CO Come From?

There are many different sources of carbon monoxide in your home: kerosene and gas space heaters that aren’t properly vented, leaking chimneys and furnaces, back draft from a furnace, gas-powered water heaters, wood stove or fireplace, gas stoves and ovens, generators and other gasoline-powered equipment, auto exhaust, and tobacco smoke are all some of the most common sources of carbon monoxide. The best way to prevent exposure would be to get rid of these things. If that’s not possible, read on for tips about reducing the risk of CO poisoning when using these devises.

What Kind of Harm Can CO Cause?

There are numerous negative health effects associated with CO exposure. At low concentration levels, carbon monoxide can cause fatigue in otherwise healthy people and chest pains in people with existing heart conditions. Higher levels of CO can lead to impaired vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, diminished coordination, and flu-like symptoms. These issues usually disappear soon after you leave the contaminated area. However, very high CO concentration can be fatal, due to the formation of a toxin in the blood that can block oxygen intake.

How can I Reduce the Risk of CO Poisoning?

The very best way to cut your risk of CO exposure is to remove any gas-powered or combustion equipment (like kerosene heaters and wood stoves) from your home. However, if you must use any of these devices, always be sure to have proper ventilation and follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. If you smoke, why not consider quitting this winter, or limit yourself to smoking outside where CO isn’t confined to your home?

Here are a few more helpful tips:

• Keep gasoline-powered appliances properly adjusted for optimum performance.
• Consider replacing an unvented space heater with a safer vented model.
• Only use appropriate fuels for combustion devices like kerosene space heaters and generators.
  Install and use an exhaust fan with your gas stove that is vented to the outdoors.
• Keep the flue open when you use your fireplace.
• Choose a wood stove that’s the proper size for your home and one that conforms to EPA emission standards. Be sure any doors or vents are tightly fitted.
• Do not idle your car inside the garage, even if the door is open.
• Hire a professional technician to inspect, clean, and tune your home’s HVAC system at least once a year.
• Never use a generator indoors.

Install Programmable Thermostats

Investing in a good quality programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to keep warm this winter without breaking the bank. Not only can they help you save on utility bills, they are also very low maintenance. Once you establish your desired settings, the thermostats will do the rest.

Seal up Windows and Doors

Prevent heat loss by ensuring that gaps around windows and doors are sealed or by using thermal curtains to hold heat in and keep cold out.

Use a Space Heater

Instead of jacking up the whole-house heating system, along with your monthly energy bill, try supplementing your HVAC system with space heaters to warm smaller rooms in the house.

Insulate Electrical Outlets and Switches

Heat can be lost through gaps and cracks around electrical outlets and switch plates. Plug holes with basic expanding foam, insulation or foam plate seals.

Make Sure Your Furnace is Ready

Do not wait until the first snowfall to have a professional out to check your furnace. Schedule a full maintenance and tune-up before the weather turns cold.

Use the Fireplace

If you are lucky enough to have a working fireplace, use it. Sitting in front of a roaring fire is a great way to spend a winter evening, but it can also provide significant heat without running up your utility bill.

Get Solar Energy When You Can

Solar heat is free and it works, so look for ways to capture warmth from the sun. Thermal curtains, metal light fixtures, even a tower of soda cans painted black can all be used to collect solar heat. You will put less strain on your HVAC system, helping you reduce your energy consumption and save money on winter heating bills.

Try a Nice Hot Drink

Hot chocolate and tea are old stand-bys, but give your taste buds something new, like Sbiten, a Russian beverage with spices and honey or a sweet chai tea. If you are feeling under the weather, you might want to try a nice,soothing honey-lemon-ginger infusion or steaming cup of broth or soup. Look up a different recipe each night of the week or invite your friends over for a tasting party.

Heat Your Clothes

You have probably got an old electric blanket lying around the house, but did you know that you could make your own heated clothing? Use Teflon and copper wire, connect it to a battery and you have your very own toasty, thermal kit. Extreme; perhaps, but strangely comforting.

Do Not Forget to Take Care of Yourself

Preparing yourself for colder weather is just as important as preparing your home’s HVAC system. Your body has different needs in the winter as you try to fight off colds and viruses, so spend more time in dry, indoor air. Start early by getting as much sun as you can, keep the hand sanitizer handy, take a multi-vitamin, drink plenty of water and always get a flu shot if you qualify for one.