Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Home
Homeowners must defend against various risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about something that you are unable to smell or see? Carbon monoxide presents an uncommon challenge as you might never be aware that it’s there. Even so, installing CO detectors can effectively protect yourself and your household. Learn more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Known as the silent killer due to its absence of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like a fireplace or furnace can generate carbon monoxide. Even though you normally won’t have any trouble, difficulties can crop up when appliances are not regularly inspected or appropriately vented. These mistakes can cause a proliferation of this dangerous gas in your interior. Heating appliances and generators are commonly culpable for CO poisoning.
When exposed to lower amounts of CO, you might notice headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to higher levels can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, and even death.
Tips For Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you don’t use at least one carbon monoxide detector in your residence, buy one today. Preferably, you ought to have one on each floor of your home, including basements. Explore these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors:
- Install them on every floor, specifically in areas where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
- Always install one no more than 10 feet away from bedrooms. If you only install one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
- install them about 10 to 20 feet away from sources of CO.
- Do not position them directly above or beside fuel-consuming appliances, as a bit of carbon monoxide may be emitted when they start and prompt a false alarm.
- Secure them to walls about five feet above the ground so they may measure air where inhabitants are breathing it.
- Avoid installing them beside windows or doors and in dead-air places.
- Install one in areas above garages.
Test your CO detectors regularly and maintain them according to manufacturer instructions. You will generally need to replace them in six years or less. You should also ensure any fuel-consuming appliances are in good working shape and have adequate ventilation.
Incorporate CO Detectors Into Your Security System
Putting CO detectors in your residence is a fantastic beginning, but you may elevate your family’s safety even more by integrating them into your home security system. This supplies another form of protection, as your monitoring agents will be updated whenever a CO detector sounds. This reinforcement can prove to be invaluable, particularly if an emergency takes place overnight and you aren’t awakened by the alarm.
Get CO Detectors With Your Security System
Keep your family protected against all types of risks with a comprehensive home security system from Secure 24 Alarm Systems. Our carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are carefully monitored in the same manner as your other security components. You’ll get support from a diligent, 24-hour team any time a crisis takes place. Call (833) 205-9194 today to improve the protection of your family and home.