Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Important for Your Home Safety

A carbon monoxide detector is an extremely important device to have in your home. If you don't have one, this is the perfect time to buy one. We're going to look at the importance of this device and the tips to consider when buying one. If you already have one, we've also got you covered with maintenance tips.

Why Do You Need a Detector?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that you cannot smell, see or taste. It is a combustion byproduct, produced by common household appliances like furnaces, gas water heaters and fireplaces. Depending on the concentration level, exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, convulsions, unconsciousness and even death.A carbon monoxide detector protects you by sounding an alarm after detecting a certain amount of the gas in the air. You can then respond appropriately by turning off appliances, ventilating the area or evacuating occupants.

What Types are Available?

There are three types of detectors available: hard-wired, plug-in and battery-operated. Hard-wired detectors are wired to your household's electrical circuit and are connected to other detectors. Plug-in detectors can be plugged into any electrical outlets. Battery-operated rely on batteries to operate and are not affected by power outages. For that reason, it is advisable to include a battery backup with plug-in and hard-wired detectors.

What Tips Should You Consider When Buying a Detector?

When shopping for a new detector, make sure you do the following:

• Check the town or county regulations on alarms and placement.

• Check whether the detector is UL listed. Only purchase one that is listed.

• Check the detector's date of manufacture. This is to help you know the right time to replace it, which is after five years.

How Should You Maintain a Detector?

Perform the following maintenance tasks:

• Check your unit's battery life. Replace old batteries.

• Test your detectors to ensure they're working properly.

• Replace detectors that are five years or older.

Make sure you include maintaining your carbon monoxide detector in your fall home maintenance checklist. For more information, contact Air Assurance. We serve the Broken Arrow area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Aysezgicmeli/Shutterstock”

The Importance of Testing Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly

While installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be a requirement in any house, don't decide that's enough. Carbon monoxide detectors must be tested regularly to make sure they're still operational. 

The Danger of Carbon Monoxide

With enough exposure, this invisible, odorless gas can kill you. It can do its deadly work through gradual exposure over time or through a sudden, substantial buildup in a small, poorly ventilated room. An average of 170 Americans die each year of accidental residential CO exposure. Defective combustion heating equipment is the usual suspect, though other potential causes can occur any time of year.

Testing CO Monitors

Not all carbon monoxide detectors are the same, and different models will have different installation recommendations and testing procedures. However, most models call for monthly testing to make sure the battery is working and the device is otherwise operational. In most cases, experts suggest changing the batteries of battery-operated models every six months–perhaps when the clocks change in the early spring and late fall. Remember, too, that even models hardwired into your home's electrical system have battery backups.

The testing process for most carbon monoxide detectors is simple: Press the "test" button down two or three seconds, and when the alarm beep sounds, release the button. That's it. If you don't hear the beep, replace the batteries and test again. If you still don't hear it, take the detector back for a refund and try a different brand. The hassle isn't worth your family's health or lives.

CO Preventative Care

Carbon monoxide detectors are your safety net, but the best outcome, of course, is to avoid CO buildup in the first place. Schedule annual preventative maintenance on all combustion appliances to make sure they're burning their fuel and exhausting combustion gases such as CO efficiently and safely. Don't idle cars in the attached garage, and don't use combustion cooking devices inside the house, in a garage or next to open windows.

For more advice on carbon monoxide detectors, please contact us today at Air Assurance. We serve the greater Tulsa metro area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Grzegorz Petrykowski/Shutterstock”

Keep Your Home Safe -- Reduce CO Exposure

Most homeowners are at least somewhat aware of the danger that carbon monoxide (CO) can present to your home. It’s a deadly gas that can lurk in and around your home undetected, because it’s both odorless and colorless. In small amounts it will cause strong headaches, disorientation and nausea along with other symptoms. When there is enough CO to cause CO poisoning it can be deadly, even with immediate treatment. The good news is that you can reduce your CO exposure in a few easy ways.

The Background of CO

To limit CO exposure you must first understand how it is created. CO is the result of incomplete combustion, basically the result of burning a fuel without enough oxygen available for the chemical reaction. What this means is that anything that burns fuel to operate can potentially create CO. This happens when operated in closed off environments or if an important part breaks that limits the oxygen supply.

Reducing CO Exposure in Your Home

Most cars regularly produce some CO, but it’s not a big issue because it quickly dissipates into the atmosphere. The importance of ventilation is the key takeaway here. Even if you take all precautions, CO can still be produced, but if you have sufficient ventilation you will limit your risk. Only operate heavy machinery that burns fuel outdoors in an open area.

The second part of proper use is to inspect and maintain fuel-burning equipment. This includes appliances and the various parts of your HVAC system. Certain things you can maintain on your own, but for others it is worth calling in a professional to inspect and maintain.

Even if you operate all your fuel-burning equipment in open areas and in perfect condition, CO can still enter your home from the outside. Install CO alarms throughout your home to alert you to any danger.

If you need help with HVAC maintenance or improving the safety of your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Why CO Monitoring Should be a Year-Round Practice

More attention is given to carbon monoxide dangers in the fall and winter because it is well known that malfunctioning furnaces can be a source of CO poisoning. However, CO monitoring should be a year-round practice, as many other home items and activities can emit carbon monoxide.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning

Exposure to the gas can initially cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, confusion and nausea. Some also experience chest pain and vomiting. As you can see, these symptoms are similar to other, less serious ailments. Unfortunately, if exposure continues, the poisoning can prove fatal.

Carbon Monoxide Sources

The following are common home items or activities that can release carbon monoxide.

• Fuel-burning equipment: includes gas-powered lawn and garden equipment, propane stoves, gas grills, generators and fuel-burning portable heaters.

• Fires: includes campfires, charcoal grills and improperly vented fireplaces and woodstoves.

• Vehicles: includes boats, automobiles and motorcycles.

Reducing Your Risk of CO Poisoning

Never operate fuel-powered equipment in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area. Many believe it is safe to operate gas-powered tools in a garage, for example. This is not the case even if the door is left open. Carbon monoxide levels can still rise quickly to dangerous levels.

• Do not use fuel-powered appliances, such as propane stoves, inside tents. Tent fabric is denser than you might think – too dense to allow CO to dissipate.

• Never leave your car or any other vehicle idling in the garage. It is particularly tempting to warm up the car in the garage during cold weather. This can be a fatal mistake. Carbon monoxide levels can build up not only in the garage but also in the home, if the garage is attached. The gas easily seeps through cracks and crevices to permeate the home.

• Install CO detectors on each floor of your home. Make sure you mount them according to directions from the manufacturer and that you test them at least twice a year.

For more information about CO monitoring and other home safety and comfort issues, please contact Air Assurance. We are located in Broken Arrow and look forward to serving you.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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CO Poisoning: It Can Be a Year-Round Concern

CO Poisoning: It Can Be a Year-Round Concern

We tend to think that CO poisoning is a hazard only in the cooler months when the house is closed up tightly and the fireplace and furnace are running. Nothing could be further from the truth, however, because carbon monoxide (CO) knows no season. If you enjoy boating, camping, barbecuing, or have an attached garage, you could be at risk. Carbon monoxide occurs as the result of incomplete combustion of fuels. It's invisible and has no odor. CO replaces oxygen in the blood stream and in high enough quantities, it can be fatal. Since it's undetectable without CO alarms, it's important to avoid situations where it could be present, like:

• At the back of an idling boat. When your boat motor runs, it emits CO. If you're trolling or idling, take care to avoid sitting too long near the motor.

• Barbecuing in the garage. Regardless of the weather, it's never a good idea to barbecue in the garage.

• Using gas-powered lawn equipment like lawn mowers or leaf blowers close to open windows can spew CO into your home.

• Running gas-powered equipment in your garage for any length of time. If your garage is attached to your home, CO poisoning can be a hazard year-round. Unless the connecting door has a tight seal, it can seep into your home. Check the common wall between the garage, as well, and caulk around any pipes, wires or cables entering your home. Inspecting the base and top of the common wall will also reveal small cracks that can bring in CO and other fumes from chemicals you store inside the garage.

• Using tent heaters excessively to stay warm while camping or sitting too close to a campfire.

• Using a gas or propane appliance indoors, without having them inspected periodically by a professional. Ideally, your furnace should be professionally maintained annually.

We at Air Assurance are here to help you avoid CO poisoning. If you'd like to improve your heating system's energy efficiency and safety, please contact us. We've provided trusted HVAC services for the Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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All Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Not Created Equal

Each year, approximately 200 people are killed from carbon monoxide poisoning. There are thousands of injuries suffered as well. For this reason, everyone should have carbon monoxide detectors in their home.There are two different types of carbon monoxide detectors available for home use. One type of carbon monoxide detector is powered by your home current. These types of detectors are simply plugged into a household wall socket. Other types of carbon monoxide detectors are powered by batteries. Either type of detector should be tested often to ensure that they are working properly. Carbon monoxide detectors that run on batteries will need to have their batteries changed a couple of times each year.A carbon monoxide detector that plugs in to a wall socket is comparable in price to the unit that runs on batteries. The home-powered detectors require less upkeep and will be effective for up to 5 years. The downside, is that they don't work when there is no power.  Often, this is when they are best utilized, when the power is out, and people are using generators, fireplaces, or other appliances to get heat.A carbon monoxide detector that runs on batteries is able to be more conveniently located, as it is an independent unit. They do not give up-to-date information as frequently as the home-powered detector. These types of detectors generally require a manual reset. However, when the power is out, they are ready for the challenge.Many "store-bought" detectors are better than no detector at all.  However,  most of them do not alert you of high levels of CO until 70 PPM after 30-45 minutes of contamination.  This is an acceptable range, however, many children and seniors can't accept these levels of CO for that long without strong affects.Then, there are "advanced" detectors.  These are more of an investment up front, but can detect much lower levels of CO, and even have displays that read the actual PPM levels, so that you can always be sure if you have a potential problem or not, before it gets to an emergency level.Remember, the sensors that detect CO can only be good for so long.  Read your owner's manuals to see when they recommend you to change the detectors.  Some sensors are only recommended to remain in use for 3 years to remain accurate.When choosing which carbon monoxide detector is best for your home you will want to be sure that they are approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. You will also want to be sure that you buy a detector for every level of your home.Air Assurance can assist you in your decision on which type of carbon monoxide detector to use, as well as where to place them in your home. Serving Broken Arrow and the Tulsa area, we are here when you need us. For more information and expert advice,  contact us today!Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Mean Year-Round Safety

Thought you had to worry about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning only in winter? Think again, because furnaces are not the only CO-producing equipment typically used in a home. As a result, carbon monoxide detectors are equally important year round, and making sure they are properly installed and operational will help to keep your family protected.In addition to furnaces, any other equipment that burns fuel should be cause for concern, and that includes:

• Fireplaces

• Wood-burning stoves

• Water heaters

• Boilers

• Generators

• Stoves

Most homeowners know that CO is a deadly gas, but it’s even more problematic because it’s hard to detect without a mechanical device, and its symptoms mirror those of the flu.If you experience any of the following, immediately leave your home and call for help:

• All of your family are sick at the same time.

• Your symptoms lessen to some degree if you leave the house.

• You notice symptoms appear or worsen when a fuel-burning piece of equipment cycles on.

In all seasons, even in summer, it’s important to install carbon monoxide detectors, but they must be located in the right places. If you use battery-operated devices, you’ll need to check and replace batteries often.For proper protection, experts generally advise that homeowners install a device:

• Close to sleeping areas – If you have multiple sleeping areas, install a detector directly outside the doors to all bedrooms.

• On every floor of your home – If you have a two-story home or a separate add-on space or remodeled attic, centrally install a detector on every floor.

If you want to avoid false readings, there are certain locations you should avoid. Don’t install a detector near your stove, as it will give off minimal CO during start up. And in general, don’t place detectors nearby any equipment that burns fuel. Additionally, install detectors 15 feet away from moisture-production locations, like bathrooms.Get the best protection possible against deadly CO. In every season, carbon monoxide detectors will help to alert you to dangerous home conditions. For expert advice, contact Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality-- serving homeowners in the greater Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     

Don't Risk An Uninvited Guest -- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous gas that can accumulate in buildings. The most dangerous attribute of this gas is that it is undetectable to human senses. Without a carbon monoxide detector, the only way to know that carbon monoxide levels are too high is after the onset of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Not only can carbon monoxide detectors save your family from an invisible threat, but they are inexpensive and easy to install.What makes carbon monoxide so dangerous is its similarity in structure to oxygen. This similarity enables the carbon monoxide to bond with the hemoglobin in blood cells. After bonding with the blood cell, carbon monoxide eliminates that blood cell's ability to transport oxygen to other cells. The effects of carbon monoxide are cumulative.Fortunately, carbon monoxide detectors are affordable and reliable. As a bonus, these detectors often require little maintenance and some can provide regular readouts on the carbon monoxide levels in the room. These detectors generally come in one of two styles. The most affordable style is the battery operated detector. Due to the power limitations of the battery, these detectors utilize a passive sensing system to monitor carbon monoxide levels. The other type of detector utilizes an electrical current from the building. This increases the available power and allows the detector to use a more advanced detection system (however, if the power is out, so are these detectors). Regardless of style, all detectors are required by law to conform to certain minimum standards of sensitivity.  And while having a detector that passes these standards is better than not having one at all, these standards are very minimal.  There are other detectors on the market that read lower levels, alert you at those lower levels, and still do not require actual electric power to maintain it's sophistication.It is generally recommended to have at least one detector per floor and a detector in each room where people sleep. Most people killed or seriously injured from carbon monoxide poisoning were exposed to the gas while asleep. A principle symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is fatigue. As a result, most people exposed to dangerous levels of the gas while asleep will not regain consciousness until they have been treated with oxygen.For more information on carbon monoxide detectors, please feel free to contact the professionals at Air Assurance. Air Assurance proudly serves the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!      

Carbon-Monoxide Detectors: How They Work And Why You Need Them

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas, so in order to avoid serious health problems, it's critical to be prepared for situations that require a fast response. CO is a gas produced by combustion appliances, such as gas ovens, fireplaces and cars. It's not possible for a homeowner to track CO levels without a carbon-monoxide detector, because it's scentless and not visible to the naked eye. That’s why carbon-monoxide detectors are so important.Carbon-monoxide exposure is dangerous at both high levels of quick exposure and low levels of prolonged exposure. At low levels (200 parts per million, or PPM), headaches and nausea occur within two hours. At 400 PPM, exposure becomes life-threatening within a mere three hours. At 800 PPM, death can occur within two hours. A carbon-monoxide detector can mean the difference between life and death, particularly if the carbon monoxide is released while people are asleep.Carbon-monoxide detectors use technology to gauge the carbon-monoxide levels in a home’s air. There are various types of sensors; look for models approved by the Underwriters Laboratory, marked with a "UL" symbol to indicate that the product meets their safety guidelines. For under $100, you can generally get a good carbon-monoxide detector with several features. Consider those models that feature a carbon-monoxide measure: Because even low levels of prolonged exposure can cause serious problems, you might want a detector with a carbon-monoxide level read-out.  These typically cost more, but give you much better peace of mind and lower level alarming.The type of power source is another issue to consider, because both battery-powered and hard-wired models have their advantages:

• Battery-operated units can be installed almost anywhere, but they require more maintenance because you have to change the batteries regularly.

• Hard-wired models are maintenance-free and last up to ten years. However, to install them you’ll need to locate electrical access.

It’s crucial to install carbon-monoxide detectors where they’ll work to your advantage. Install one near the bedrooms, so you can hear the alarm go off even if you're sleeping. If you have a multi-level home, install a detector on each floor. Additionally, to avoid false alarms, don’t install them near combustible appliances (such as the stove) or humid areas (a bathroom).Stay safe with carbon-monoxide detectors. And remember, it's not just the winter time that CO can be a threat!!  It’s a small cost for a big payback: your life. The professionals at Air Assurance are available to help with your carbon-monoxide detector needs. Call us anytime with your questions.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Water Alarm: One Of Several Devices That Can Help You Keep Your Home Safe And Sound

With owning a home comes a great deal of responsibility. Not only do you have to worry about the safety of your family and possessions in the case of a theft or accident, you also have to worry about the possibility of failing systems, such as a stove or air conditioner, wreaking havoc on your household.Luckily, there are a number of devices designed to reduce the likelihood of such occurrences in the home, including:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Fire extinguishers

• Security cameras and motion-sensitive alarm systems

• Dusk-to-dawn and other motion-sensitive lighting systems

• Whole-house surge protection

These are just a few of the more common home detection and accident prevention devices being used by Broken Arrow/Tulsa area homeowners today. Unfortunately, when it comes to home detection and prevention devices, the water alarm is often overlooked.A device capable of detecting moisture produced by leaky pipes, washing machines, or other water-related items, the water alarm provides a means of early detection designed to prevent such issues as household mold and water damage. It can also help alert you to more sudden issues such as a broken pipe or a weather-related basement flooding. Long-lasting and simple to operate, a water alarm can be used wherever moisture-related problems are likely to occur.Whether you’re dealing with a known moisture issue or simply playing it safe, the key to prevention is early detection. For more information on how a water alarm can benefit your household, contact Air Assurance today for expert consultation.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Use These Tips To Find An HVAC Contractor

When hiring an HVAC contractor, there are a number of choices in the Tulsa, Broken Arrow region. There are a few things you should know and look for before making your decision.Know Your NeedsBefore you contact an HVAC contractor, have some idea of your needs.  Take note of the model you are currently using for your heating and cooling system and its maintenance history.  If it is not properly cooling certain rooms, be sure to mention these specific problems when you call the contractors.Check CredentialsBe sure any contractor you may hire is licensed and insured in Oklahoma.  Go ahead and investigate how much they are insured as well.  Requirements in Oklahoma for insurance are low, and may not secure you in case of a problem.Home EvaluationsThis is an essential part of an HVAC contractor’s job and they should spend a significant amount of time inspecting your current system and your home to make sure all of your needs are being met.  And they are not there to just check your system.  They should be looking at your insulation and windows to make sure your heating and cooling system is running as efficiently as possible without any air leaks that could cause your energy bill to spike.  Anyone can replace a "box", but if they are looking at the whole home's comfort system, you know they have your best interest in mind.ReferralsMany of your neighbors and friends have used HVAC contractors before, so it would be smart to get some recommendations from them.  They will also be sure to tell you who to stay away from if they have had some negative experiences in the past.  Ask for testimonials.You should also get a written price and description of services signed by both parties before work begins.  This will make sure you are protected by specifying various costs.  Understand the warranties of not only the equipment or repaired parts, but also about the company warranties as well including labor.If you have any other questions, contact Air Assurance, and we will be glad to share our expert advice.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

The Location Of Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Home Is Critical

Carbon monoxide detectors are becoming as commonplace in homes as smoke detectors, and for good reason. This odorless, colorless gas is just as dangerous at high levels as a fire, but carbon monoxide has no warning signs.Carbon monoxide poisoning leads to headaches, nausea and even death. The elderly, small children and pregnant women are especially at risk when exposed to even low levels of CO. That's why it is critical to have carbon monoxide detectors in your home.And the placement of your CO detectors, once you have them, is crucial. Experts agree that detectors should be located:

• On every floor of the home. If you live in a single-story home, consider placing detectors at each end of the home.

• At least 12 inches below ceilings but higher than eye level. Because CO rises, placing an electronic CO detector in an outlet near the floor, for example, wouldn't be effective.

• Away from fireplaces, fuel-burning appliances the garage and areas that produce heat (bathrooms or saunas).

• In or near bedrooms. Experts say that if you place only one CO detector in your home, put it in the master bedroom or as close to sleeping areas as possible so that you and your family can hear an alarm as soon as possible.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set 35 ppm (parts per million) as the high point for a safe carbon monoxide level. Anything higher becomes a health risk. Health problems occur quickly and there isn’t time for a carbon monoxide detector to fail. Many CO detectors sold at home improvement stores will sound an alarm at 40 ppm or higher, but low-level detectors purchased through an authorized dealer can begin to let you know of danger much sooner.One of the top detectors on the market is the NSI 3000. The unit detects CO levels that protect people in every category (from the elderly to healthy people). It operates using three alarm sounds: a low level for 15 ppm; a high level for 35 ppm; and a crisis level for 70 ppm and over. The 70 ppm alarm is loud and cannot be turned off.  This unit also has a digital display that starts reading at 5ppm to give you that extra sense of security.As serious as carbon monoxide poisoning is, you want carbon monoxide detectors that take this matter just as seriously. They could save your life. At Air Assurance, we carry CO detectors and we can give you expert advice on the installation and use of these critical tools. Call us today if we can answer any questions.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here.Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Which CO Detector Should I Buy? Is There A Difference?

Carbon monoxide is very hard to detect. It is colorless and orderless, yet even in small concentrations can be very dangerous to you and your loved ones. This toxic gas can be produced by many things in your home, including a gas stove, furnace, fireplace, water heater or a car that is started in an attached closed garage. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in your home to alert you to a rise in this dangerous gas in your environment.There are various manufacturers of carbon monoxide detectors, so you may be wondering if they are all the same, and if one is recommended over another. The answer is, yes, there are vast differences in the models available on the market today. It is critical to understand the differences, so we will review those shortly. First, we want to share with you some basic facts relating to the critical life saving benefits of superior carbon monoxide detectors.Most carbon monoxide detectors available are just not sensitive enough to detect lower levels of the dangerous gas. The majority of these detectors only sound an alarm after they have detected carbon monoxide at a level of 70ppm, for two hours or more. Studies show that a person can begin to feel sick, even experiencing flu-like symptoms, when they have been exposed to levels in the 35ppm range! Additionally, the elderly, the very young or those who have certain health challenges can be adversely affected by even lower levels of carbon monoxide.Let's go over those critical differences between the model that we recommend, the NSI 3000 Low Level Monitor, as compared to the typical units widely available. The features listed below are benefits of the NSI 3000.

• Initial visual, within 30 seconds, at 5ppm

• Low audible alert, after 5 minutes, at 15ppm

• High audible alert, after 5 minutes, at 35ppm

• Crisis level alert, after 30 seconds, at 70ppm

• Continuous on-screen digital display

• Display range of 5ppm - 999ppm

• Converts to convenient tabletop use

• Response instructions printed on unit

• Maximum protection for all ages

If you have a CO detector already, that's great, you are in the minority and you should be complimented!  Here's a few other tips that might help in keeping you safe with the units you already have.1.  Mount the unit close to eye level.  CO is unlike smoke, it doesn't rise, so mounting the unit at where you're most likely to breathe is a good idea.2.  Mount the unit at least on every level of the home, or if it's a larger ranch style home, mount them at each end of the home, or close to often used bedrooms.3.  Do not use the plug in style.  Most CO contamination happens when the power is out (generators, fireplaces, other gas heating appliances).  Not only is this style mounted near the floor (where most outlets are located), but they can't operate when the power is out, therefore not giving you the alarm when it might be most needed.4.  Replace your CO detectors once ever 3-5 years.  The sensors on CO detectors are very sensitive, and loose their sensitivity over time.5.  If your CO detector alarm sounds, get out of the house, leave the door open to provide some fresh air and call the gas company or emergency responders.We provide indoor air quality solutions for our customers that help keep them safe from threats like CO.  Contact us today for a home evaluation.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about CO detectors and other HVAC topics, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.  To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.