Carbon Monoxide and Gas Detectors in the Home: Why They’re Especially Important in Winter
As the temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, families across our community are turning up the heat, lighting fireplaces and cooking hearty meals to stay warm and comfortable.
Winter brings many joys—but it also brings a set of home safety responsibilities that can’t be overlooked.
One of the most important is ensuring that your carbon monoxide (CO) and gas detectors are installed, tested and working properly.
The Hidden Danger of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” because it is:
- Colorless
- Odorless
- Tasteless
When appliances such as furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, water heaters or generators burn fuel, they produce small amounts of carbon monoxide. If something goes wrong—like poor ventilation, a crack in your heat exchanger or a blocked chimney—that CO can build up indoors.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Confusion
Because the signs can mimic the flu, it’s easy to miss the warning until it’s too late. That’s why having a working CO detector is essential.
Why Winter Is a Higher Risk Season
During the colder months, homes are sealed up tight to keep heat inside. Furnaces and fireplaces run longer, space heaters are used more often and power outages sometimes cause families to rely on backup generators. All of these factors increase the potential for carbon monoxide and gas leaks.
Gas Detectors: Another Layer of Protection
In addition to carbon monoxide, gas leaks can pose serious risks. Propane is safe and efficient, but leaks—though rare—can happen due to damaged lines, faulty appliances or wear and tear over time.
Gas detectors are designed to alert you to unsafe concentrations of combustible gases before they reach dangerous levels. Pairing gas detectors with carbon monoxide alarms gives you the best protection for your home and family.
Safety Tips for the Season
- Install CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
- Add gas detectors if you use propane appliances.
- Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
- Schedule annual service for your heating system, fireplace, and water heater to ensure proper operation.
- Never use ovens, grills, or outdoor heaters to heat your home.
- Keep vents and chimneys clear of snow, ice, or debris.
- Questions? Call Phillips Energy and let us help make sure you’re all set for the winter.
Peace of Mind All Winter Long
At Phillips Energy, your safety is our top priority. As a local, family-owned company, we’re here to help you stay warm, comfortable and safe throughout the winter season. Whether you need propane delivery, heating service or safety guidance, our team is just a phone call away.
Stay safe. Stay warm. And make sure your home is protected with working carbon monoxide and gas detectors this winter.
