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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Richmond Home

Residents must defend 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 threats as you might never be aware that it’s there. Even so, implementing CO detectors can effectively shield your family and property. Learn more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Richmond property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer due to its lack of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas caused by incomplete fuel combustion. Any appliance that uses fuels like a furnace or fireplace can generate carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have problems, complications can arise when an appliance is not frequently maintained or adequately vented. These oversights can result in a proliferation of this potentially deadly gas in your interior. Generators and heating appliances are the most frequent causes for CO poisoning.

When exposed to minute concentrations of CO, you may notice dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to high levels can lead to cardiorespiratory failure, coma, and death.

Recommendations For Where To Place Richmond Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t use at least one carbon monoxide detector in your interior, get one now. Ideally, you should have one on every floor of your home, including basements. Here are several suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Richmond:

  • Install them on every level, specifically in places where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, such as fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers.
  • You ought to always install one no more than 10 feet away from sleeping 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.
  • Do not position them directly above or beside fuel-consuming appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide may be emitted when they turn on and prompt a false alarm.
  • Fasten them to walls about five feet from the ground so they can test air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them in dead-air zones and near doors or windows.
  • Place one in spaces above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors regularly and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer instructions. You will usually have to replace them every five to six years. You should also make sure any fuel-consuming appliances are in in good working condition and have adequate ventilation.