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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Binghamton Property

Homeowners must safeguard against numerous risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about something that you can’t see or smell? Carbon monoxide is different from other threats as you may never be aware that it’s there. Even so, implementing CO detectors can easily shield you and your household. Learn more about this potentially lethal gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Binghamton residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer because of its absence of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a common gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-consuming appliance like a fireplace or furnace can create carbon monoxide. While you usually won’t have a problem, issues can present when equipment is not routinely inspected or properly vented. These mistakes could cause an accumulation of this dangerous gas in your residence. Generators and heaters of various types are the most consistent causes for CO poisoning.

When exposed to minute levels of CO, you may suffer from dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to high concentrations can cause cardiorespiratory failure, and potentially death.

Tips For Where To Place Binghamton Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t use at least one carbon monoxide detector in your residence, buy one now. Preferably, you should have one on each level of your home, and that includes basements. Browse these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Binghamton:

  • Put them on each level, particularly in areas where you have fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, fireplaces, gas dryers, and water heaters.
  • You should always have one no more than 10 feet away from sleeping areas. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them at least 10 to 20 feet from sources of CO.
  • Do not affix them directly above or beside fuel-consuming appliances, as a non-threatening amount of carbon monoxide may be emitted when they start and prompt a false alarm.
  • Fasten them to walls approximately five feet above the ground so they may sample air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them in dead-air areas and near doors or windows.
  • Place one in areas above garages.

Test your CO detectors regularly and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer instructions. You will usually need to replace them within five or six years. You should also ensure any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in optimal working condition and have appropriate ventilation.