REGINA — With summer in full swing, SaskEnergy is reminding the public that carbon monoxide dangers aren't limited to the winter months.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline or wood are burned. Without proper ventilation or air supply, CO can build up in enclosed spaces such as homes, cottages and campers, creating a serious risk of illness or death, SaskEnergy warns.
During the summer months, certain conditions can increase the risk of CO entering a home. For example, portable, wall- or window-mounted air conditioners that exhaust air outdoors can create negative pressure, or depressurization. Depressurization occurs when air is exhausted from the home faster than fresh outdoor air can enter. This can draw combustion gases, including CO, back into the home from fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters and ranges.
Preventing CO Exposure During Summer
To reduce the risk of CO exposure and depressurization:
- Have fuel-burning appliances inspected and maintained regularly.
- Check that external exhaust vents are free of dirt, leaves and debris.
- Ensure your outdoor or window AC units are not placed too close to potential sources of CO, such as appliance vents, barbecue grills, idling cars or generators.
- Watch for signs of poor ventilation such as lingering odours or stuffy air.
- Open a window or door slightly to allow fresh air into the home when running an air conditioner that exhausts air outdoors.
- Avoid running multiple devices that exhaust air from the home at the same time, such as kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans and air conditioners that exhaust indoor air outdoors.
Other Summer CO Safety Tips
- Start gasoline-powered lawn mowers outside the garage and away from air intakes to the home.
- Never use a barbecue, generator or other fuel-burning equipment indoors or near an air intake.
- Ensure your home, RV, camper or cottage is equipped with working CO alarms.
More information is available at: //saskenergy.com/staying-safe/carbon-monoxide.
