With record cold temperatures during the last few weeks, people have no doubt been firing up their heaters, fireplaces and other heating sources to get some relief.

However, with the use of those heating sources comes the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning — known as the “silent killer.”

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by using any heating device that uses fossil fuels, such as kerosene heaters or cars left running in the garage. If left undetected inhaling the gas can lead to death.

A new state law went into effect this month requiring landlords of rental units with a fossil-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage, to install carbon monoxide detectors , which cost anywhere from $35-$50, before renting out the unit.

Landlords already have to install fire alarms in each unit.

Those who refuse to install the carbon monoxide detectors could face a fine of up to $250.

Captain Victor McCaskill with the Rockingham Fire Department said the department has had many calls this season for carbon monoxide detectors that have gone off.

A detector goes off once the carbon monoxide has reached a certain level.

When firemen arrive they use a gas detector to see if there are any gas leaks in the house causing the carbon monoxide buildup. If there is a leak, the appropriate technician is called out and the leak is fixed.

McCaskill said with all the calls they’ve had so far, they’ve yet to have anyone get sick from the carbon monoxide.

If no leak is detected, McCaskill said the best thing to do is ventilate the house, open doors and windows and just get the air circulating.

McCaskill said a lot of the calls the department receives come from the Richmond Housing Authority development because many residents use kerosene and gas heaters to keep warm in the winters.

“If people don’t ventilate their house, the gas builds up,” McCaskill said. “And if you have a garage and you leave the car running to warm up, the gas will seep into the house.”

McCaskill said wood-burning stoves could also cause carbon monoxide buildup in a home if the chimneys are not cleaned out.

McCaskill warned against using charcoal in the house as well.

“I’ve heard of cases like that, of someone taking a gas cooker inside to get warm, or burning charcoal indoors and that can cause lethal levels of carbon monoxide,” he said.

He said the department gets calls year-round about carbon monoxide detectors going off, and one of the causes can be water heaters.

“If there’s a leak, just keep the house well-ventilated because you can’t smell carbon monoxide,” McCaskill said. “If you’ve got a headache, ventilate the house, step outside.”

McCaskill said typical signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, drowsiness and weakness. Other symptoms include nausea, dizziness and irregular breathing.

And to prevent gas leaks, McCaskill said it’s critical to have heating units inspected by a quality technician before the start of the winter, every year.

Staff writer Eren Tataragasi can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or at etataragasi@yourdailyjournal.com.