Madison, Wis., Oct. 6, 2009—Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) recommends an annual furnace and water heater inspection by a qualified contractor or MGE. The inspection should include a thorough examination of the chimney and venting system. An improperly maintained furnace or fuel-burning water heater wastes energy and is a potential source of carbon monoxide (CO).

MGE recommends installing a CO detector in the hallway near every sleeping area. A CO detector can provide added protection but is not a substitute for proper use and maintenance of appliances that can produce CO.

CO is an odorless, invisible toxic gas that can occur from the incomplete combustion of gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas, propane gas, wood or charcoal. The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (headache, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells) and often disappear when you are away from the source.

Anyone experiencing CO symptoms should leave the area immediately and call 911. For nonemergencies where CO is suspected, call a qualified contractor or MGE at 252-7111 to have your equipment checked.

MGE also recommends checking the furnace filter once a month during the heating season. Replacing or cleaning a dirty filter will save energy and ensure proper equipment operating performance. Additionally, furnaces using a programmable thermostat should have a spare battery available to ensure continued operation when the installed battery fails.

MGE generates and distributes electricity to 137,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 141,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. The company's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.