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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Baltimore Home

Residents must protect against a variety of risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about something that can’t be perceived by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other threats because you may never realize it’s there. Despite that, implementing CO detectors can easily shield you and your household. Find out more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Baltimore residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer due to its lack of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that utilizes fuels like a furnace or fireplace may produce carbon monoxide. Although you normally won’t have problems, difficulties can arise when an appliance is not regularly serviced or appropriately vented. These mistakes can lead to a proliferation of this dangerous gas in your residence. Generators and heating appliances are commonly responsible for CO poisoning.

When exposed to minute levels of CO, you might suffer from fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels may result in cardiorespiratory arrest, and potentially death.

Suggestions For Where To Place Baltimore Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home is without a carbon monoxide detector, purchase one today. If possible, you ought to use one on each floor of your home, including basements. Here are several tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Baltimore:

  • Install them on every level, especially in areas where you have fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • You ought to always have one within 10 feet of bedroom areas. If you only have one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them approximately 10 to 20 feet from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Avoid affixing them immediately above or next to fuel-utilizing appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide might be released when they start and set off a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls at least five feet off the ground so they may test air where people are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air areas and next to windows or doors.
  • Place one in areas above garages.

Check your CO detectors routinely and maintain them per manufacturer guidelines. You will typically have to switch them out in six years or less. You should also make certain any fuel-burning appliances are in in good working condition and have proper ventilation.