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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Springfield Residence

Property owners must defend against numerous risks like fire, flooding, and burglary. But what about a risk that you can’t see or smell? Carbon monoxide is different from other threats as you may never be aware that it’s there. Nevertheless, installing CO detectors can easily protect your loved ones and property. Learn more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Springfield home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer because of its absence of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a common gas produced by incomplete fuel combustion. Any appliance that consumes fuels like an oven or fireplace may produce carbon monoxide. While you typically won’t have problems, complications can present when appliances are not routinely serviced or appropriately vented. These missteps can result in a proliferation of this dangerous gas in your residence. Generators and heating appliances are commonly responsible for CO poisoning.

When in contact with lower amounts of CO, you may experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to high levels may result in cardiorespiratory failure, and potentially death.

Recommendations For Where To Place Springfield Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t use at least one carbon monoxide detector in your interior, buy one now. If possible, you ought to have one on each floor, and that includes basements. Here are some recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Springfield:

  • Install them on each level, specifically in places where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • Always install one no more than 10 feet away from bedrooms. If you only get one CO detector, this is where to put it.
  • install them at least 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid installing them directly above or next to fuel-utilizing appliances, as a non-threatening amount of carbon monoxide may be released when they turn on and set off a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls at least five feet from the floor so they can test air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them next to windows or doors and in dead-air zones.
  • Install one in spaces above attached garages.

Test your CO detectors often and maintain them according to manufacturer instructions. You will generally need to switch them out every five to six years. You should also make certain any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in proper working condition and have adequate ventilation.