Carbon Monoxide Testing

Carbon Monoxide Testing Saves Lives

Carbon monoxide (CO) is often referred to as the silent, deadly killer. This is because it is a colourless and odourless gas, undetectable to the human eye or ear. Unfortunately, CO poisoning claims at least one Australian life every year along with many hospital admissions. And the worst part is, all these dangers of carbon monoxide gas are avoidable. Here at Metropolitan Heating and Cooling, our experts are fully equipped to perform carbon monoxide testing and make sure both you and your home are safe.

How does CO form?

Carbon monoxide forms when fossil fuels - like gas - do not burn completely due to a lack of oxygen in the air. This incomplete combustion can often result from faulty gas appliances like gas heaters. Such malfunctions lead to the production of this toxic, odourless gas instead of the harmless carbon dioxide (CO2). This is likely to happen because:

• You haven't had a service to the gas appliance for a long time
• There are faulty parts causing the leak
• The appliance itself is too old and needs immediate repair or replacement

And as you can't smell or see a carbon monoxide leak, it is so important to have regular servicing of any gas appliances. Our team can also perform a carbon monoxide test on your gas heater or kitchen stove to be sure that there are no leaks and your home is safe.

The Benefits of Carbon Monoxide Testing

Ensuring the safety of your home - and yourself - is paramount. That goes without saying. And carbon monoxide testing plays a vital role. As Australians, many of us rely on gas appliances such as gas space heaters and gas-powered cooktops. However, many of us often underestimate the risks associated.

Here are some of the key benefits of carbon monoxide testing, and why maintaining a consistent gas appliance servicing schedule is so important.

• Detection of invisible threats: Regular carbon monoxide testing identifies this silent danger, reducing risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Appliance safety: A faulty gas powered appliance, such as a gas heater or other open flued gas system, can leak carbon monoxide. Testing ensures these are functioning correctly.
• Peace of mind: Using a carbon monoxide detector, homeowners can continuously monitor CO levels coming from gas appliances, and make sure their environment remains safe.
• Protection against symptoms: Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide leaks can lead to severe health effects, including loss of consciousness or worse. Early detection helps prevent these complications.
• Compliance with standards: Consistent carbon monoxide testing, especially around gas heaters and central heating units, ensures adherence to Australian standards and recommendations.

For all Australians, prioritising safety means implementing regular CO testing. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak from a gas appliance in your home, make sure to call us immediately.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning isn't easy to diagnose, as the symptoms are similar to those of the flu. You may not necessarily have a clear indication of what is happening to you and thousands of people in Australia have been admitted to hospital in the past twenty years for CO poisoning. Among the numerous symptoms that it may present are:

• Persistent, dull headache
• Weakness and dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion or blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness
• Fainting
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Flushed, cherry-red skin in acute exposure

In an emergency or if you suspect CO poisoning, seek fresh air immediately and contact emergency services by dialling 000.

How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Although the silent nature of carbon monoxide makes it almost impossible to detect, you can take steps to protect your home, including;

• Have the expert team at Metropolitan Heating and Cooling regularly carry out a carbon monoxide test on all your appliances.
• Check ventilation systems regularly – if there is a blockage in the vent it could lead to the leakage of carbon monoxide.
• Maintenance of exhaust fans - Every now and then, check that any exhaust fans in your home are clean and functioning efficiently, pushing air outdoors and not just recirculating it inside.

Using a high quality carbon monoxide detector, our carbon monoxide tests identify any faults in your gas appliances. If you have never had your system tested it is important to have it done. Heating and cooling systems require regular servicing to keep occupants safe. If you are concerned about your safety it is best to contact us or book one of our friendly technicians online.

Other Heating and Cooling Services

• Reverse Cycle
• Heating and Cooling Maintenance
• Evaporative Cooling
• Ducted Air Conditioning
• Space Heaters
• Gas Room Heaters
• Hydronic Heating
• Ducted Heating
• Wall Furnace

Contact Us Today

Metropolitan Heating and Cooling is here for all your heating and cooling services. Our friendly, reliable and qualified technicians here at Metropolitan Heating and Cooling are fully trained and qualified in all the latest fault-finding techniques. They operate 24/7 for your convenience and can often be at your door within the hour*. From your gas heater to your air conditioning, we take care of general maintenance, repairs and installations. For quality workmanship and outstanding customer satisfaction, contact us today! Call us or get in touch online.