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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Topeka Home

Homeowners must defend against a variety of risks like burglary, flooding, and fire. But what about something that can’t be perceived by human senses? Carbon monoxide creates a unique challenge because you might never realize it’s there. Even so, implementing CO detectors can simply shield you and your household. Learn more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Topeka property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Referred to as the silent killer as of a result of its lack of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a common gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like a fireplace or furnace may create carbon monoxide. Even though you usually won’t have a problem, difficulties can arise when appliances are not frequently inspected or properly vented. These mistakes may result in a build-up of this dangerous gas in your residence. Heating appliances and generators are commonly responsible for CO poisoning.

When exposed to lower amounts of CO, you might notice headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to higher amounts could lead to cardiorespiratory arrest, and potentially death.

Suggestions For Where To Place Topeka Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t own a carbon monoxide detector in your interior, purchase one today. Preferably, you ought to use one on each floor of your home, and that includes basements. Explore these suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Topeka:

  • Put them on every level, particularly where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • You ought to always have one within 10 feet of bedrooms. If you only have one carbon monoxide detector, this is the place for it.
  • Position them about 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid installing them directly above or beside fuel-consuming appliances, as a bit of carbon monoxide could be emitted when they kick on and trigger a false alarm.
  • Fasten them to walls about five feet from the ground so they may sample air where people are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them in dead-air places and next to doors or windows.
  • Place one in areas above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them per manufacturer guidelines. You will usually have to switch them out in six years or less. You should also make certain any fuel-consuming appliances are in in optimal working order and have adequate ventilation.