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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Charlotte Home

Homeowners must defend against a variety of risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about something that can’t be perceived by human senses? Carbon monoxide poses unique challenges as you might never realize it’s there. Even so, implementing CO detectors can easily safeguard you and your household. Learn more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Charlotte residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer because of its lack of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas formed by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that utilizes fuels like an oven or furnace can create carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have a problem, issues can arise when appliances are not regularly maintained or properly vented. These mistakes may cause a build-up of this potentially deadly gas in your home. Heating appliances and generators are the most consistent causes for CO poisoning.

When subjected to minute amounts of CO, you may suffer from headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to elevated concentrations could result in cardiopulmonary arrest, and even death.

Recommendations On Where To Place Charlotte Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, get one today. Ideally, you ought to install one on every floor, and that includes basements. Review these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Charlotte:

  • Put them on each floor, especially in places where you use fuel-burning appliances, like water heaters, furnaces, gas dryers, and fireplaces.
  • You should always have one no more than 10 feet away from bedrooms. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them at least 10 to 20 feet from potential CO sources.
  • Do not install them right next to or above fuel-consuming appliances, as a non-threatening amount of carbon monoxide may be released when they turn on and trigger a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls about five feet from the floor so they may test air where people are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them next to doors or windows and in dead-air zones.
  • Install one in rooms above attached garages.

Test your CO detectors often and maintain them per manufacturer instructions. You will generally have to replace them every five to six years. You should also ensure any fuel-consuming appliances are in in proper working order and have proper ventilation.