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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Youngstown House

Property owners must defend against a variety of risks like burglary, flooding, and fire. But what about a danger that you are unable to see or smell? Carbon monoxide poses an uncommon challenge because you may never be aware that it’s there. Despite that, installing CO detectors can simply safeguard your loved ones and property. Learn more about this potentially lethal gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Youngstown home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer due to its lack of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas formed by incomplete fuel combustion. Any fuel-consuming appliance like a furnace or fireplace can create carbon monoxide. Even though you normally won’t have a problem, difficulties can present when equipment is not frequently maintained or appropriately vented. These mistakes can result in a build-up of this dangerous gas in your home. Generators and heating appliances are the most common causes for CO poisoning.

When exposed to low levels of CO, you may notice dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels can cause cardiorespiratory failure, and potentially death.

Tips On Where To Place Youngstown Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home is without a carbon monoxide detector, get one today. Ideally, you ought to use one on every level of your home, including basements. Here are several suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Youngstown:

  • Place them on each floor, particularly where you use fuel-burning appliances, like fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers.
  • Always install one within 10 feet of bedroom areas. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Place them approximately 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid affixing them right above or next to fuel-consuming appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide may be emitted when they start and trigger a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls approximately five feet off the floor so they can sample air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them in dead-air places and near doors or windows.
  • Put one in spaces above attached garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them according to manufacturer recommendations. You will typically have to replace units in six years or less. You should also make certain any fuel-burning appliances are in in good working condition and have proper ventilation.