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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Sandy Springs House

Residents 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 risks as you may never be aware that it’s there. Even so, implementing CO detectors can easily safeguard yourself and your household. Find out more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Sandy Springs home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer due to its absence of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a common gas caused by incomplete fuel combustion. Any appliance that consumes fuels like a fireplace or furnace may generate carbon monoxide. Even though you typically won’t have problems, difficulties can present when appliances are not frequently maintained or adequately vented. These mistakes can cause a build-up of this potentially deadly gas in your residence. Heating appliances and generators are commonly culpable for CO poisoning.

When exposed to lower concentrations of CO, you may suffer from fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to higher amounts may lead to cardiorespiratory arrest, and potentially death.

Tips On Where To Place Sandy Springs Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t use a carbon monoxide detector in your home, purchase one now. If possible, you should use one on every floor of your home, including basements. Here are some tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Sandy Springs:

  • Put them on every level, especially where you use fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • Always have one no more than 10 feet away from sleeping areas. If you only get one CO detector, this is the place for it.
  • Position them about 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid affixing them immediately above or next to fuel-utilizing appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide may be discharged when they turn on and set off a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls at least five feet off the ground so they can measure air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air areas and near windows or doors.
  • Put one in rooms above attached garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them per manufacturer recommendations. You will generally have to replace units within five or six years. You should also make sure any fuel-consuming appliances are in in good working condition and have appropriate ventilation.