Carbon monoxide is a gas that is created when common fuels are burnt. Gas, wood, propane, and other sources create carbon monoxide gas. This type of gas has no taste, smell, or colour, and it’s deadly.
When this gas appears in poorly ventilated spaces, it will accumulate and can make you sick, or worse. This is why it’s important to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Continue reading to learn more about the best place to put a carbon monoxide detector.
What is a carbon monoxide detector?
A carbon monoxide detector is a safety device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide. Because this type of gas is odourless, invisible, and also deadly, it’s crucial that you are aware of its presence in your home.
These devices are designed to detect levels of carbon monoxide over a period of time and sound an alarm before it reaches toxic levels. These detectors can read small levels of carbon monoxide that build up over time.
Installing carbon monoxide detectors is the best way to avoid getting carbon monoxide poisoning. These detectors can run on batteries or electricity.
How do they differ from smoke alarms?
If you have even set your smoke detector off when you burn your toast, you know how loud they are. A smoke detector is an electronic device designed to quickly detect the presence of smoke. You can typically see smoke before any flames are present. Carbon monoxide is not the same as smoke. A carbon monoxide or CO detector is designed to only detect carbon monoxide. It appears due to incomplete burnt fuels and the residue builds up in the air.
There are 2 types of smoke detectors: ionization and photoelectric. These work differently so it’s not a bad idea to have both. It depends on your situation and how high-risk the area is for fire. The photoelectric is triggered by a sensor that detects changes in light passing through a chamber when smoke gets in the way. The ionization sensors detect changes in the ionization of air.Carbon monoxide detectors are needed to detect the deadly levels of carbon monoxide that may be present in the air. This type of gas is not detected any other way, which makes it a silent killer.
Best Location for a Carbon Monoxide Detector
While smoke detectors are placed closer to the ceiling and in the kitchen, the best place to put a carbon monoxide detector is closer to the floor. You should have one installed on every floor of your home or business. If you only have one, installing a carbon monoxide detector close to where everyone sleeps is advised. When you are awake, you are more likely to notice that something isn’t right
If you are wondering where to mount a carbon monoxide detector, it should be placed at least 5 feet from the floor. It’s important that you can hear the alarm, even when you are sleeping. If you have a garage that is attached to the house, put your carbon monoxide detector close to the garage. The fumes can build up and move pretty quickly throughout your home.
How to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Installing carbon monoxide detectors isn’t too difficult. You can follow the instructions on the package if you have the right tools. A battery-operated detector installation should be quite straightforward. You only need to make a few holes and mount the detector on your ceiling or your wall. If you are installing several carbon monoxide detectors, give us a call so we can help you with placement and put together a detailed protection plan.
If you need it to be connected to your electrical system, then you should hire someone to handle that for you. Ontime Electric will come to your home and install carbon monoxide detectors in critical areas throughout your home. Because these detectors are so important and potentially life-saving devices, it is recommended that you hire a professional electrician to install a carbon monoxide detector for you.
Maintenance Tips for a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Once your carbon monoxide detector is installed, it’s important that it keeps working. These alarms need to be tested regularly and cleaned. If the unit operates off a battery, test and replace the battery at least once a year.
The detectors have an expiration date and need to be replaced. Keep a note somewhere in the home that tells you when yours needs to be changed.
Contact Us
If you have fuel-burning appliances like natural gas or wood stoves, it’s important to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Give us a call if you need help installing your carbon monoxide detector or if you’d like more information on our services.