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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Evanston Property

Property owners must safeguard against various risks like burglary, flooding, and fire. But what about a danger that can’t be perceived by human senses? Carbon monoxide poses an uncommon challenge as you might never know it’s there. Even so, installing CO detectors can simply shield you and your household. Learn more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Evanston property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer because of its absence of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a common gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-burning appliance like a furnace or fireplace can create carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have a problem, issues can present when equipment is not frequently serviced or adequately vented. These mistakes can lead to a proliferation of this potentially deadly gas in your residence. Heating appliances and generators are commonly culpable for CO poisoning.

When exposed to lower levels of CO, you could suffer from headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to higher amounts could result in cardiorespiratory arrest, and potentially death.

Suggestions For Where To Place Evanston Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in your residence, buy one now. If possible, you ought to install one on every floor of your home, and that includes basements. Review these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Evanston:

  • Put them on each floor, especially in areas where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, fireplaces, gas dryers, and water heaters.
  • You should always use one no more than 10 feet away from bedroom areas. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them about 10 to 20 feet from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid affixing them directly next to or above fuel-consuming appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide might be emitted when they turn on and prompt a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls at least five feet off the ground so they may test air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air zones and beside doors or windows.
  • Put one in areas above attached garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. You will usually have to replace units every five to six years. You should also make certain any fuel-consuming appliances are in in proper working condition and appropriately vented.