Two weeks ago, our 26-years-old oven acted weird: it would not come on. We turned it off and on to no avail several times. We left it off for a while and the next time it came on. Weird. Over the next couple of weeks, the oven worked, but the burners started sputtering oddly.
In that same period, Merri experienced some lethargy. Luke also exhibited some lethargy. Lethargy is harder to notice in me. On Saturday, we both felt some nausea and both napped for two hours unexpectedly.
Tonight, Merri called the gas company. Art came out at 8pm and detected over 350ppm CO at the oven vent (fatal under an hour); over 40ppm several rooms away from the kitchen. Merri saved our lives. Our old oven is red-tagged and our 35-years-old gas meter replaced.
Yeah, it’s obvious what was wrong: the oven was venting carbon monoxide. Yes, we’re lucky to be alive. Yes, we should have acted sooner. I’m writing to say how easy it is to stall, waiting for more evidence, even when the evidence is obvious compressed into two short paragraphs.
And note: we had a carbon monoxide detector next to the stove. I tested it a month ago; it still beeps to the test, batteries are fine. Did you know most detectors have a two year lifespan?
be aware that the average life span of many carbon monoxide detectors is about 2 years. The ‘test’ feature on many detectors checks the functioning of the alarm and not the status of the detector.
Test for Carbon Monoxide in the Home
Here’s How: Purchase a passive CO test kit (detector badge) at your local hardware or building supply store.
Test for Carbon Monoxide in the Home
Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers
Consumers should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a test button tests whether the circuitry is operating correctly, not the accuracy of the sensor. Alarms have a recommended replacement age, which can be obtained from the product literature or from the manufacturer.
CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. CPSC recommends that one CO alarm be installed in the hallway outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be installed into a plug-in receptacle or high on the wall. Hard wired or plug-in CO alarms should have battery backup. Avoid locations that are near heating vents or that can be covered by furniture or draperies. CPSC does not recommend installing CO alarms in kitchens or above fuel-burning appliances.