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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Fort Collins Residence

Homeowners must safeguard against various risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about a danger that you can’t smell or see? Carbon monoxide is different from other threats because you might never know it’s there. Even so, using CO detectors can easily safeguard your family and property. Learn more about this potentially lethal gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Fort Collins residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer as of a result of its lack of odor, color, and taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas produced by incomplete fuel combustion. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like an oven or fireplace can produce carbon monoxide. While you normally won’t have a problem, complications can arise when equipment is not routinely maintained or adequately vented. These missteps could lead to a build-up of this dangerous gas in your interior. Heating appliances and generators are the most consistent causes for CO poisoning.

When subjected to low amounts of CO, you could suffer from fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to high concentrations could result in cardiopulmonary arrest, coma, and death.

Tips For Where To Place Fort Collins Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in your interior, get one today. If possible, you should install one on each floor, and that includes basements. Here are some suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Fort Collins:

  • Install them on each floor, especially in places where you have fuel-burning appliances, including water heaters, furnaces, gas dryers, and fireplaces.
  • Always install one within 10 feet of bedroom areas. If you only have one CO detector, this is the place for it.
  • Place them approximately 10 to 20 feet from sources of CO.
  • Avoid installing them right above or next to fuel-burning appliances, as a little carbon monoxide might be emitted when they start and set off a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls at least five feet above the ground so they may sample air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them in dead-air places and beside windows or doors.
  • Install one in areas above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors regularly and maintain them per manufacturer guidelines. You will typically need to replace units every five to six years. You should also make certain any fuel-consuming appliances are in in proper working order and have proper ventilation.