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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your West Bloomfield Residence

Residents must safeguard against various risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about a risk that you are unable to see or smell? Carbon monoxide is different from other dangers because you may never be aware that it’s there. Despite that, installing CO detectors can easily protect your family and property. Learn more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your West Bloomfield property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Referred to as the silent killer because of its lack of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that consumes fuels like an oven or fireplace may produce carbon monoxide. Even though you normally won’t have a problem, issues can crop up when appliances are not frequently serviced or properly vented. These mistakes can result in an accumulation of the potentially lethal gas in your home. Generators and heating appliances are commonly to blame for CO poisoning.

When exposed to low levels of CO, you could experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to high concentrations could lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, and even death.

Suggestions For Where To Place West Bloomfield Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, purchase one now. Ideally, you should use one on every level of your home, and that includes basements. Here are some suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in West Bloomfield:

  • Install them on every floor, specifically in places where you use fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • Always use one no more than 10 feet away from sleeping areas. If you only have one carbon monoxide detector, this is where it should go.
  • Position them approximately 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Do not position them immediately above or next to fuel-utilizing appliances, as a non-threatening amount of carbon monoxide could be emitted when they start and trigger a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls about five feet from the ground so they will test air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them in dead-air zones and next to doors or windows.
  • Install one in rooms above attached garages.

Inspect your CO detectors routinely and maintain them according to manufacturer guidelines. You will generally have to switch them out within five or six years. You should also make certain any fuel-burning appliances are in in proper working shape and sufficiently vented.