ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Charleston, WV & Surrounding Areas
Carbon monoxide detector attached to wall of home
January 08, 2024

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Charleston Residence

Homeowners must defend against a variety of risks like fire, flooding, and burglary. But what about a danger that you can’t smell or see? Carbon monoxide creates an uncommon challenge as you might never be aware that it’s there. Nevertheless, installing CO detectors can easily safeguard yourself and your household. Learn more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Charleston property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer because of its absence of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas produced by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like an oven or fireplace can create carbon monoxide. Although you normally won’t have problems, issues can present when appliances are not routinely inspected or appropriately vented. These missteps could cause an accumulation of this dangerous gas in your residence. Heating appliances and generators are the most frequent causes for CO poisoning.

When subjected to minute amounts of CO, you could notice headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to elevated levels can result in cardiopulmonary arrest, and even death.

Recommendations For Where To Place Charleston Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector, buy one today. Ideally, you ought to install one on every level of your home, and that includes basements. Here are some recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Charleston:

  • Install them on every level, specifically where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • Always install one within 10 feet of sleeping areas. If you only have one CO detector, this is where it should go.
  • Position them approximately 10 to 20 feet from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid installing them right above or beside fuel-utilizing appliances, as a little carbon monoxide may be emitted when they turn on and prompt a false alarm.
  • Fasten them to walls about five feet from the floor so they will measure air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air areas and beside windows or doors.
  • Place one in spaces above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors routinely and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. You will usually need to replace them every five to six years. You should also make sure any fuel-burning appliances are in in proper working condition and adequately vented.