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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Manchester Home

Homeowners must defend against various risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about something that can’t be detected by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other threats as you may never be aware that it’s there. Nevertheless, using CO detectors can effectively shield you and your household. Learn more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Manchester residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer as of a result of its absence of odor, color, and taste, carbon monoxide is a common gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-consuming appliance like an oven or fireplace can generate carbon monoxide. While you normally won’t have problems, issues can crop up when an appliance is not regularly maintained or appropriately vented. These mistakes can cause a proliferation of this potentially deadly gas in your residence. Generators and heaters of various types are commonly responsible for CO poisoning.

When exposed to minute levels of CO, you may experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to elevated amounts could lead to cardiorespiratory arrest, and potentially death.

Tips For Where To Place Manchester Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, get one now. Ideally, you should have one on each floor, and that includes basements. Browse these tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Manchester:

  • Put them on every level, particularly where you use fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • Always install one within 10 feet of bedrooms. If you only install one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Place them approximately 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Do not position them directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as a non-threatening amount of carbon monoxide may be discharged when they start and trigger a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls at least five feet off the floor so they can measure air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them in dead-air areas and next to doors or windows.
  • Install one in spaces above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. You will typically have to replace them within five or six years. You should also make sure any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in optimal working condition and have adequate ventilation.