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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Duluth Property

Homeowners must defend against various risks like fire, flooding, and burglary. But what about something that can’t be detected by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other threats as you might never be aware that it’s there. Even so, using CO detectors can easily shield your family and property. Learn more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Duluth residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer due to its lack of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas formed by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like an oven or fireplace can create carbon monoxide. While you normally won’t have a problem, issues can crop up when appliances are not frequently serviced or properly vented. These mistakes may result in a build-up of this potentially deadly gas in your interior. Generators and heaters of various types are the most frequent reasons for CO poisoning.

When subjected to minute levels of CO, you might suffer from headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to high levels may lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, and potentially death.

Suggestions On Where To Place Duluth Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, purchase one today. If possible, you ought to use one on each level of your home, including basements. Here are several recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Duluth:

  • Install them on each floor, particularly in areas where you use fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, fireplaces, gas dryers, and water heaters.
  • You ought to always use one no more than 10 feet away from sleeping areas. If you only install one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them at least 10 to 20 feet from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Do not install them right next to or above fuel-consuming appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide may be released when they kick on and prompt a false alarm.
  • Fasten them to walls about five feet from the ground so they will sample air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them in dead-air places and next to doors or windows.
  • Install one in areas above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors routinely and maintain them according to manufacturer guidelines. You will typically have to replace them within five or six years. You should also ensure any fuel-burning appliances are in in good working order and have adequate ventilation.