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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Tuscaloosa Home

Homeowners must defend against a variety of risks like fire, flooding, and burglary. But what about a danger that can’t be discerned by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other threats as you may never realize it’s there. Despite that, implementing CO detectors can easily shield yourself and your household. Explore more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Tuscaloosa residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Referred to as the silent killer because of its lack of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a common gas caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that utilizes fuels like a fireplace or furnace may produce carbon monoxide. While you usually won’t have problems, complications can arise when an appliance is not frequently inspected or adequately vented. These oversights may cause an accumulation of this potentially deadly gas in your residence. Generators and heaters of various types are the most frequent reasons for CO poisoning.

When exposed to lower levels of CO, you might suffer from fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to high levels can cause cardiopulmonary arrest, and even death.

Suggestions On Where To Place Tuscaloosa Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t use at least one carbon monoxide detector in your interior, buy one now. Preferably, you should use one on every floor, and that includes basements. Browse these tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Tuscaloosa:

  • Place them on every floor, specifically in places where you have fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, fireplaces, gas dryers, and water heaters.
  • You should always use one within 10 feet of sleeping areas. If you only get one CO detector, this is the place for it.
  • Place them approximately 10 to 20 feet from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Avoid installing them directly above or next to fuel-utilizing appliances, as a little carbon monoxide may be emitted when they turn on and set off a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls at least five feet from the floor so they can measure air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air zones and next to windows or doors.
  • Place one in areas above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors regularly and maintain them per manufacturer instructions. You will generally have to switch them out within five or six years. You should also make certain any fuel-burning appliances are in in proper working shape and have proper ventilation.