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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Houston Residence

Residents must safeguard against various risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about something that you are unable to smell or see? Carbon monoxide presents unique challenges as you might never realize it’s there. Nevertheless, using CO detectors can simply protect you and your household. Explore more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Houston property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer due to its absence of odor, color, and taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas formed by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-burning appliance like a furnace or fireplace may create carbon monoxide. Even though you normally won’t have any trouble, complications can present when appliances are not frequently inspected or adequately vented. These mistakes can cause an accumulation of this potentially deadly gas in your interior. Heating appliances and generators are commonly to blame for CO poisoning.

When exposed to low concentrations of CO, you might notice dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to higher amounts may result in cardiorespiratory arrest, coma, and death.

Suggestions On Where To Place Houston Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t own a carbon monoxide detector in your residence, buy one now. Preferably, you should have one on every floor, including basements. Browse these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Houston:

  • Put them on every level, particularly in places where you use fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • Always install one within 10 feet of bedroom areas. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them about 10 to 20 feet from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Do not install them right above or next to fuel-utilizing appliances, as a little carbon monoxide may be discharged when they turn on and set off a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls approximately five feet above the ground so they may sample air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them beside windows or doors and in dead-air areas.
  • Place one in spaces above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors often and maintain them according to manufacturer guidelines. You will generally have to replace units within five or six years. You should also make certain any fuel-burning appliances are in in proper working order and have appropriate ventilation.