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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Akron Home

Homeowners must protect against various risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about a risk that you aren’t able to smell or see? Carbon monoxide is different from other dangers as you might never be aware that it’s there. Nevertheless, implementing 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 Akron residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Referred to as the silent killer due to its absence of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like an oven or fireplace may create carbon monoxide. While you usually won’t have a problem, issues can present when appliances are not regularly serviced or properly vented. These oversights may lead to an accumulation of the potentially lethal gas in your interior. Generators and heating appliances are the most common reasons for CO poisoning.

When exposed to low concentrations of CO, you could notice headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to elevated amounts can result in cardiopulmonary arrest, and potentially death.

Recommendations For Where To Place Akron Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector, get one now. Ideally, you ought to install one on each level of your home, and that includes basements. Review these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Akron:

  • Install them on each level, specifically in places where you use fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • You ought to always install one within 10 feet of bedroom areas. If you only install one CO detector, this is where it should go.
  • Place them approximately 10 to 20 feet from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Avoid placing them directly next to or above fuel-consuming appliances, as a small degree of carbon monoxide could be released when they kick on and prompt a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls at least five feet from the ground so they can test air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them in dead-air areas and next to windows or doors.
  • Install one in spaces above garages.

Test your CO detectors regularly and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. You will usually have to replace them within five or six years. You should also ensure any fuel-consuming appliances are in in good working condition and appropriately vented.