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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Bloomington Residence

Homeowners must safeguard against a variety of risks like burglary, flooding, and fire. But what about a risk that you are unable to see or smell? Carbon monoxide is different from other risks because you may never be aware that it’s there. Even so, implementing CO detectors can effectively protect your family and property. Explore more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Bloomington property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Referred to as the silent killer because of its lack of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas produced by incomplete fuel combustion. Any appliance that utilizes fuels like an oven or furnace can produce carbon monoxide. While you normally won’t have problems, complications can arise when equipment is not regularly inspected or appropriately vented. These mistakes can lead to an accumulation of this dangerous gas in your home. Heating appliances and generators are the most common reasons for CO poisoning.

When exposed to minute concentrations of CO, you might experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to elevated amounts may lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, and potentially death.

Suggestions For Where To Place Bloomington Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector, get one today. If possible, you ought to have one on every level of your home, including basements. Here are several suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Bloomington:

  • Install them on every floor, especially in areas where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • Always use one within 10 feet of sleeping areas. If you only have one carbon monoxide detector, this is the place for it.
  • Place them at least 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Do not install them right beside or above fuel-burning appliances, as a bit of carbon monoxide might be emitted when they kick on and set off a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls approximately five feet off the floor so they may measure air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them in dead-air zones and next to doors or windows.
  • Install one in areas above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors regularly and maintain them according to manufacturer recommendations. You will usually have to replace them within five or six years. You should also make certain any fuel-burning appliances are in in optimal working shape and appropriately vented.