As the temperatures begin to drop, families are turning on furnaces once again to stay warm. Black Hills Energy reminds homeowners to prepare for winter weather by maintaining heating and ventilation equipment to ensure that everything is working properly. Furnaces and roof vents should be inspected, if possible, by a certified heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) specialist.

“It’s important to schedule an annual tune-up to ensure that your equipment is running properly and efficiently,” said Jim Seward, vice president of Black Hills Energy’s Wyoming electric and natural gas utilities. “Black Hills Energy also recommends that customers maintain regularly inspected carbon monoxide detectors. Detectors may offer an early warning of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless byproduct of the incomplete burning of fuels including wood, gasoline, charcoal and natural gas.”

Signs of a potential carbon monoxide leak can include, but are not limited to, flu-like symptoms — a scratchy throat, runny nose, headache, drowsiness or nausea. Other indicators could include frosted windows due to excessive humidity, or a draft from the front of the furnace when it is not turned on.

If you think carbon monoxide is present, leave the premises immediately and call 911.