WASHINGTON — Magnolia Plumbing, Heating & Cooling announced that it is providing free carbon monoxide (CO) tests this winter in neighborhoods all over the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., area. The HVAC contractor will be leaving notices for homeowners letting them know when the company will be in the area and able to perform this free carbon monoxide test. The homeowner just needs to call and get scheduled by the noted time for the available dates.

Most people know that high levels of CO are harmful. What is less known is that carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison that can slowly build up in the bloodstream where it combines with blood hemoglobin and replaces the oxygen in the blood until there is too little oxygen. Younger people, particularly infants and children, as well as the elderly or anyone in poor health, may suffer effects at lower concentrations than healthy individuals, noted Magnolia.

Many store-bought CO detectors are not designed to pick up low levels of CO and only indicate when there are high levels that are imminently life threatening, said the company. Magnolia’s CO detectors are designed to pick up low levels that may be occurring.

During this free carbon monoxide test, the technician will indicate the levels currently being emitted in the home, provide a checklist of the current CO safety levels, and list any recommendations to improve safety.

For more information, call 877-901-4822 or visit www.magnoliaphc.com.

Publication date: 02/27/2012