I've been meaning to do something for weeks, and now that the weather is warmer I finally got inspired to take action. As part of my spring cleaning regimen, I'm installing several carbon monoxide detectors. We have smoke detectors, of course, so this is a logical — and easy — next step.

If you don't already have them, consider installing carbon monoxide detectors as part of your change-of-season routine: put away your sweaters and winter gear, and install carbon monoxide detectors. Simple. The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) recommends checking and changing the batteries on your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors every spring and fall when we adjust our clocks for daylight saving time.

Combustion fumes produced by small gas engines, cars and trucks, gas ranges, stoves, lanterns, and burning charcoal and wood all give off carbon monoxide. Every year over 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning, over 20, 000 are rushed to the emergency room, and 4000 of them are hospitalized. Older adults, those over age 65, are at the highest risk.

What exactly is carbon monoxide, and why should you bother detecting it? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is extremely deadly, and can kill within minutes. It can also cause illness (with symptoms such as nausea, weakness, vomiting, chest pains, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness), and death. Also called the “Quiet Killer,” carbon monoxide poisoning can be tough to diagnose, and if you're sleeping it can cause death without waking you. Young children, and anyone with asthma or a compromised immune system are most susceptible. They will feel its effect most quickly.

Check your carbon monoxide detector packaging for recommendations on proper placement in your home. Mine are up and installed now (ideally a detector should be in every bedroom so it can wake you if you're sleeping, or have one on every floor; if you have only one unit place it close to your home's sleeping area). Installation was a fairly, painless process even for someone like me who is not the least bit mechanically inclined.

Get more more information on the CDC's carbon monoxide prevention guidelines. It's chock full of good advice like don't heat your house with a gas oven, do not run your car inside a garage attached to your house, have your chimney checked and cleaned regularly, and don't burn a charcoal grill or camp stove indoors.

This post was included in the Everything Home Blog Carnival.