Summer in Houston is all about making memories. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, a camping trip to the Texas Hill Country, or just enjoying a DIY project in the garage, outdoor adventures are in full swing.
But there is a silent summer guest you need to watch out for: Carbon Monoxide (CO).
While we usually think of CO as a winter worry tied to furnaces, it remains a serious danger during the warmer months. At JW East Mechanical, your families safety, and the safety of your furry friends, is our top priority. Here is what you need to know to stay safe while enjoying the sun.
Why Carbon Monoxide is a Summer Threat
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. In the summer, we tend to use more portable fuel-burning equipment, often placing it too close to the home or tent.
- Grills and Camp Stoves: Never use a charcoal or gas grill inside a garage, tent, or even a screened-in porch. The CO can build up quickly, creating a toxic environment for humans and pets alike.
- Generators: If a summer storm knocks out the power, your generator is a lifeline—but only if used correctly. Always keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home. Never run them near windows, doors, or—crucially—near your HVAC intake vents.
- Boats and RVs: CO can accumulate in the back of boats or inside idling RVs. Ensure your campers are equipped with battery-operated CO detectors.
The HVAC Connection: Your Home’s Lungs
You might be wondering, “What does the air conditioning have to do with carbon monoxide?”
While a standard electric AC unit doesn’t produce CO, your HVAC system acts as the lungs to your home. If you are running a generator or grill too close to your outdoor unit or fresh-air intakes, your AC unit can actually pull those toxic fumes inside and circulate them through your bedrooms and living area.
JW East Pro-Tip: During your summer AC tuneup, ask our technicians to check your home’s ventilation. We ensure that your system is breathing in clean air and that your indoor air quality is not being compromised by outside contaminants.
Protect your Pets
Our pets often spend their summer days lounging near doors or vents where cool air escapes. Because they are smaller and breathe faster than humans, they are often the first to show signs of CO poisoning. If your pet becomes unusually lethargic, dizzy, or begins vomiting after being in the backyard, get them to fresh air immediately.
Simple Steps for a Safe Summer
- Ventilation is King: Always use fuel-burning equipment in wide-open, outdoor areas.
- Check the Vents: Make sure your outdoor AC unit and home vents aren’t blocked by debris or located near a running engine.
- Test your Alarms: Ensure you have working CO detectors on every floor of your home and test the batteries monthly.
Stay cool and stay safe! If you have concerns about your home’s ventilation, or want to ensure your system is running safely this summer, call the experts at JW East Mechanical!