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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Brownsville Residence

Homeowners must defend against numerous risks like fire, flooding, and burglary. But what about a risk that you aren’t able to see or smell? Carbon monoxide creates unique challenges because you may never realize it’s there. Even so, implementing CO detectors can effectively protect your loved ones and property. Learn more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Brownsville home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer because of its lack of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a common gas produced by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-burning appliance like an oven or fireplace may create carbon monoxide. While you typically won’t have a problem, issues can present when an appliance is not frequently serviced or adequately vented. These oversights can cause a proliferation of the potentially lethal gas in your home. Generators and heaters of various types are commonly responsible for CO poisoning.

When exposed to low concentrations of CO, you might experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to high concentrations may cause cardiorespiratory arrest, and potentially death.

Suggestions For Where To Place Brownsville Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home is without a carbon monoxide detector, get one now. If possible, you ought to install one on every floor of your home, including basements. Here are some suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Brownsville:

  • Place them on each floor, specifically where you use fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • Always install one within 10 feet of bedrooms. If you only have one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Place them approximately 10 to 20 feet from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Do not affix them immediately beside or above fuel-burning appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide could be emitted when they start and set off a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls at least five feet off the ground so they can sample air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air areas and beside windows or doors.
  • Install one in areas above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors regularly and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer instructions. You will usually have to switch them out in six years or less. You should also ensure any fuel-burning appliances are in in proper working condition and have proper ventilation.