Victor Figueroa and his family are grateful for a quick response from a safety-conscious, caring staff and their ability to speak Spanish. It meant the difference between life and death for his family. Experiencing an odd smell and not feeling well, Victor’s wife Lorena called us. A resourceful customer service staff warned Lorena, in Spanish, about possible dangers while others were in route to their home. Finding lethal levels of carbon monoxide in the home, we again used the family’s native language to explain the danger and get them medical help. 
On Christmas Eve 2004, Stacy got the greatest gift of all - her life. That night, Stacy felt dizzy and extremely drowsy. Suspecting a carbon monoxide leak, she called Colorado Springs Utilities. After we arrived and confirmed high carbon monoxide levels, the family was evacuated. Had they not been, they could have died in less than two hours.
If you suspect carbon monoxide in your house or building, leave immediately and call 911. If you are concerned about carbon monoxide, we will come to investigate your home or business at no charge - call 719-448-4800. Protect yourself and your loved ones from the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States by purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm. What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a toxic and odorless gas which is produced when fuel burning appliances (propane, kerosene, wood, natural gas, etc.) are not operating properly or do not have the proper amount of air for combustion. Why is it dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it interferes with the body's ability to process oxygen. Carbon monoxide can be deadly. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include flu-like symptoms: headache, nausea, upset stomach and drowsiness. What are the sources of carbon monoxide?
The most common causes of carbon monoxide accumulation in homes include: - Blocked fireplace chimney openings
- Improperly operating fuel burning appliances
- Disconnected, corroded or blocked appliance vent pipes
- Operating barbecue grills inside the house
- Blocked or insufficient make-up air
- Cracked furnace heat exchangers
- Operating vehicles in attached garages
- Back drafting
Lawn mowers, chain saws and other fuel burning equipment also create carbon monoxide and should never be operated in a closed garage. What is back drafting?
All fuel burning appliances and wood burning fireplaces require air to burn. In addition, clothes dryers, exhaust vents and central vacuum systems compete with fuel burning appliances for combustion air. Sometimes, if there is not enough air in the building to support combustion, the appliances and/or fireplace will draw air from elsewhere. When this happens, air can be drawn down appliance exhaust vents from outside the house. This condition is referred to as "back drafting." Air that is drawn down appliance exhaust vent pipes from outside the house prevents the by-products of combustion and carbon monoxide, if present, from venting up the exhaust vent. Carbon monoxide can build up in your house, creating a potentially dangerous condition. How can I prevent back drafting?
Crack open a window. Back drafting can also be prevented by ensuring your fuel burning appliances, including wood burning fireplaces, have sufficient air to support combustion. Fireplaces can consume up to 10 times more air than a furnace. When operating a fireplace, crack open a window in the room closest to the fireplace. The long term solution, however, is to provide combustion air directly to the fireplace from outside the house. Ask a licensed heating contractor to check your appliances and fireplace for sufficient combustion air. Is natural gas more likely to be a source of carbon monoxide than other fuels?
No. When properly installed, maintained and vented, your natural gas furnace, hot water heater and other appliances do not emit carbon monoxide in the living space. Natural gas is a "clean burning" fuel under correct operating conditions. What else can I do?
Your fuel burning appliances require attention just like any other piece of equipment. We recommend you have your fuel burning appliances, including your furnace, inspected by a licensed heating contractor each year for proper operation. The heating contractor will look for proper flame adjustment, cracks or leaks in the heating and venting system and soot-free unplugged vents. Changing your air filter at least twice per heating season will help save energy and will increase the life of your furnace. And protect yourself and your loved ones from the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States by purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm. What should I do if I smell natural gas?
Don't turn off the lights or pick up the telephone, leave the house immediately and call 719-448-4800. Be prepared before a problem arises and get your Safety Checklist ready fact sheet. Find more information about safety in regards to carbon monoxide. Do you need a licensed heating contractor to install a new gas appliance or check your gas appliances for safe operation? Call HomeVantage® Service Referral at 719-448-4800 for a licensed contractor near you. | 
