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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Gaithersburg House

Property owners must safeguard against a variety of risks like burglary, flooding, and fire. But what about a danger that you can’t see or smell? Carbon monoxide poses a unique challenge because you might never know it’s there. Even so, implementing CO detectors can effectively protect you and your household. Find out more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Gaithersburg residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer due to its absence of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-burning appliance like a furnace or fireplace can generate carbon monoxide. While you normally won’t have a problem, complications can arise when equipment is not frequently serviced or adequately vented. These missteps may lead to a proliferation of the potentially lethal gas in your residence. Generators and heaters of various types are commonly culpable for CO poisoning.

When exposed to low amounts of CO, you could experience dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to higher concentrations may result in cardiopulmonary arrest, and even death.

Suggestions For Where To Place Gaithersburg Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector, get one today. If possible, you should have one on each floor, and that includes basements. Here are some tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Gaithersburg:

  • Install them on each level, specifically where you use fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, fireplaces, gas dryers, and water heaters.
  • Always use one no more than 10 feet away from bedrooms. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them approximately 10 to 20 feet away from sources of CO.
  • Avoid placing them right above or beside fuel-utilizing appliances, as a non-hazardous amount of carbon monoxide may be discharged when they turn on and trigger a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls about five feet off the ground so they may sample air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air zones and next to windows or doors.
  • Put one in areas above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors often and maintain them per manufacturer recommendations. You will typically have to switch them out in six years or less. You should also make sure any fuel-consuming appliances are in in good working condition and appropriately vented.