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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Buffalo Home

Homeowners must safeguard against numerous risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about something that can’t be discerned by human senses? Carbon monoxide presents unique challenges because you might never know it’s there. Even so, using CO detectors can effectively protect your family and property. Explore more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Buffalo home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer because of its lack of odor, color, and taste, carbon monoxide is a common gas formed by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-burning appliance like a fireplace or furnace can generate carbon monoxide. While you normally won’t have any trouble, complications can arise when an appliance is not regularly maintained or adequately vented. These missteps may cause a proliferation of this dangerous gas in your interior. Heating appliances and generators are commonly to blame for CO poisoning.

When in contact with lower amounts of CO, you may notice fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels could result in cardiopulmonary arrest, and potentially death.

Suggestions On Where To Place Buffalo Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector, buy one now. If possible, you ought to use one on every floor of your home, and that includes basements. Review these suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Buffalo:

  • Put them on every floor, particularly in areas where you use fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • Always use one no more than 10 feet away from sleeping areas. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Place them approximately 10 to 20 feet away from sources of CO.
  • Avoid placing them immediately beside or above fuel-utilizing appliances, as a little carbon monoxide may be emitted when they start and set off a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls about five feet off the floor so they can test air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air zones and beside doors or windows.
  • Install one in spaces above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them according to manufacturer recommendations. You will generally have to switch them out in six years or less. You should also make certain any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in optimal working condition and appropriately vented.