January is Carbon Monoxide Safety Month, and 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, a BBB A+ rated home service company with more than 2,000 five-star reviews online, is urging area residents to take preventative measures to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
“You can’t see, taste or smell carbon monoxide,” said Ryan Williams, general manager of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric. “It’s an invisible danger that can be especially harmful to children and older adults. While it might seem scary, there are steps homeowners can take to lower or even eliminate many risk factors of CO.”
Symptoms of CO toxicity can be flu-like and include nausea and vomiting, headaches, loss of consciousness, dizziness and weakness. CO poisoning isn’t necessarily fatal, but extreme cases can lead to death. Area residents who suspect they may have been exposed to carbon monoxide should seek fresh air and medical attention.
128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is offering tips to help homeowners avoid dangerous carbon monoxide toxicity. Williams said a CO detector is a piece of equipment every home should have, but there are other simple steps that Boston residents can take to reduce the risk of CO poisoning in their homes, including:
- Change the battery in your CO detector every six months.
- Always open the garage door before starting your car.
- Use propane gas and fossil fuel burning appliances — such as heaters, furnaces, grills, generators — appropriately and only in open, well-ventilated spaces.
- Keep vents and flues clean and free of debris.
- Use solvents, such as those found in paint or varnish removers, only in well-ventilated areas or outside.
“One of the best ways to avoid carbon monoxide issues is by making sure furnaces and other heating equipment are in good shape,” Williams said. “Regular annual maintenance is a preventative measure that not only keeps your equipment working properly but also helps keep your family safe. It’s like a tune-up on your car or scheduling a cleaning for your teeth. There are certain things we need to make sure we maintain annually, and your furnace should be on the list. Ask your heating professional to check your home’s CO level.”
For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning prevention, please call 1-888-CALL-128, visit www.128plumbing.com.
About 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric
128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, was founded in Lynnfield, Massachusetts more than 25 years ago. Since their start, 128 PHCE has expanded and grown to become Eastern Massachusetts’ most trusted and consistent plumber, heating and air conditioning service company with over 2,000 5-star reviews online. For more information, call 1-888-CALL-128 or visit www.128plumbing.com.
