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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Fort Wayne House

Property owners must protect against a variety of risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about something that can’t be detected by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other risks because you might never be aware that it’s there. Even so, implementing CO detectors can easily shield your family and property. Find out more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Fort Wayne property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer due to its absence of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like a furnace or fireplace can generate carbon monoxide. While you normally won’t have problems, issues can arise when appliances are not regularly maintained or adequately vented. These mistakes could result in a build-up of this dangerous gas in your residence. Heating appliances and generators are the most consistent causes for CO poisoning.

When subjected to lower concentrations of CO, you might notice dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to higher levels could result in cardiopulmonary arrest, and potentially death.

Recommendations On Where To Place Fort Wayne Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, get one now. If possible, you ought to install one on every floor of your home, and that includes basements. Browse these tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Fort Wayne:

  • Put them on every level, particularly where you use fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • Always use one within 10 feet of bedrooms. If you only have one CO detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them at least 10 to 20 feet from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Do not affix them immediately above or beside fuel-consuming appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide may be released when they turn on and prompt a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls approximately five feet off the ground so they will sample air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them in dead-air places and next to doors or windows.
  • Install one in rooms above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them per manufacturer guidelines. You will typically have to switch them out every five to six years. You should also make sure any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in good working condition and sufficiently vented.