What's the Problem?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Carbon monoxide is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and oil / gas heating systems. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. Just breathing it can poison both humans and animals in these spaces.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of carbon monoxide ingestion can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

Who's at Risk?
All people and animals are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Certain groups unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems are more susceptible to its effects. Each year, more than 500 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 2,000 commit suicide by intentionally poisoning themselves.

Can It Be Prevented?
Yes, you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by taking simple precautions to make sure that:
All fuel-burning appliances are properly installed, maintained, and operated.
Furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers are inspected annually by a qualified service technician;
Fireplace chimneys and heating flues should be checked and cleaned every year;
Un-vented fuel-burning space heaters are used only while someone is awake to monitor them and doors or windows in the room are open to provide fresh air.
Automobile exhaust systems are routinely inspected for defects and automobile tailpipes are routinely inspected for blockage by snow during the winter months.

Remember:
1. Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
2. Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
3. Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.
4. Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside of an open window or door where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
5. Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space, such as a closed garage.

Knowledge is the key to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. In most cases of unintentional poisonings victims did not realize that carbon monoxide was being produced or building up in the air they were breathing. Carbon monoxide can be easily and cheaply detected in the home, several relatively inexpensive carbon monoxide alarms are available. Consider placing a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your homes and in your bedrooms. Follow the instruction as to the exact location it should be installed.
It is very simple to have us check your chimney system. Just give us a call. Better safe then sorry. If you feel better away from home there may be a reason and it could very well be your chimney. Don't wait for a problem.

Dublin City Chimney Sweeps 860-464-8409

SHORT PROBLEMS:

Same house with a newly installed block chimney to bring it up to code. Now this oil burner chimney is exhausting above the house, not at the window.

The above picture shows the chimney exhausting into the bedroom window.
Photo to the right shows a newly reaise block chimney.
The photo below has a new galvanized chimney connection for a wood stove with the same problem. It is also too close to the house and combustables.
These two installations were both there when the owners purchased their home.
It only became a problem when the home owners went to sell their houses and the short chimneys were found by the inspection service. These needed to fixed before the closing, because they don't meet code and are very dangerous.
Yes, this is a major problem and a source for carbon moxide posioning.

This photo to the right shows a chimney blocked with burned creosote after a chimney fire. The home owner used a sweeps soot log thinking that his chimney wood be safe. They do not work and this homwowner was lucky to still be living here. Chimneys need to be cleaned properly by a chimney sweep not a soot log or any other chemical.
Because he could still see down the chimney he thought it was safe. However, after cleaning this chimney there were broken chimney flue tiles found and the chimney was comdemned.