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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Detroit Property

Residents must safeguard against various risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about something that you can’t smell or see? Carbon monoxide presents unique challenges because you may never be aware that it’s there. Despite that, installing CO detectors can simply shield you and your household. Learn more about this potentially lethal gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Detroit property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer because of its lack of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-burning appliance like an oven or furnace can generate carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have a problem, difficulties can arise when appliances are not frequently inspected or properly vented. These mistakes could lead to a build-up of this potentially deadly gas in your interior. Generators and heaters of various types are commonly responsible for CO poisoning.

When subjected to lower concentrations of CO, you might notice dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to higher amounts may cause cardiorespiratory failure, and potentially death.

Tips On Where To Place Detroit Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t own at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home, get one now. Preferably, you should have one on every floor of your home, including basements. Here are a few tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Detroit:

  • Install them on every floor, specifically in areas where you have fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, fireplaces, gas dryers, and water heaters.
  • You should always install one within 10 feet of bedroom areas. If you only install one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them about 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Do not position them right above or beside fuel-utilizing appliances, as a small degree of carbon monoxide could be emitted when they turn on and trigger a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls at least five feet off the ground so they will measure air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them beside doors or windows and in dead-air areas.
  • Place one in spaces above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors often and maintain them per manufacturer recommendations. You will generally need to replace them in six years or less. You should also ensure any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in good working order and have appropriate ventilation.