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Carbon monoxide detector attached to wall of home
January 08, 2024

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Home

Homeowners must protect against various risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about a risk that can’t be detected by human senses? Carbon monoxide creates an uncommon challenge because you might never know it’s there. Despite that, installing CO detectors can simply protect you and your household. Find out more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer because of its absence of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that utilizes fuels like an oven or furnace may create carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have a problem, complications can crop up when an appliance is not routinely inspected or properly vented. These mistakes could result in a build-up of this dangerous gas in your home. Heating appliances and generators are commonly culpable for CO poisoning.

When in contact with low amounts of CO, you might notice headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to elevated concentrations can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, and potentially death.

Recommendations For Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in your interior, get one now. Ideally, you should install one on each level of your home, and that includes basements. Review these tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in :

  • Put them on each level, especially in places where you have fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers.
  • You ought to always have one within 10 feet of sleeping areas. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • install them at least 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid placing them right above or beside fuel-utilizing appliances, as a little carbon monoxide could be discharged when they kick on and prompt a false alarm.
  • Fasten them to walls about five feet off the floor so they can test air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them beside doors or windows and in dead-air areas.
  • Place one in spaces above attached garages.

Test your CO detectors regularly and maintain them according to manufacturer guidelines. You will generally need to switch them out every five to six years. You should also ensure any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in good working condition and have proper ventilation.