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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Auburn Home

Homeowners must protect against various risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about a danger that can’t be discerned by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other risks because you might never be aware that it’s there. Despite that, installing CO detectors can easily shield your loved ones and property. Explore more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Auburn property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer due to its lack of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-consuming appliance like an oven or furnace can produce carbon monoxide. While you typically won’t have a problem, issues can arise when an appliance is not frequently maintained or properly vented. These mistakes may cause a build-up of the potentially lethal gas in your residence. Generators and heating appliances are the most common reasons for CO poisoning.

When subjected to minute concentrations of CO, you may experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to high amounts could result in cardiorespiratory arrest, and even death.

Tips For Where To Place Auburn Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t use at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home, get one now. Ideally, you should install one on each floor, and that includes basements. Review these suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Auburn:

  • Install them on each floor, particularly where you have fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • You ought to always use one no more than 10 feet away from bedroom areas. If you only have one carbon monoxide detector, this is where it should go.
  • Place them at least 10 to 20 feet away from sources of CO.
  • Avoid affixing them directly above or beside fuel-consuming appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide might be released when they start and trigger a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls about five feet above the floor so they will sample air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them in dead-air zones and near doors or windows.
  • Install one in rooms above attached garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. You will usually have to switch them out every five to six years. You should also make sure any fuel-consuming appliances are in in proper working condition and sufficiently vented.