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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Lakeland Residence

Residents must defend against a variety of risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about something that can’t be discerned by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other threats as you may never be aware that it’s there. Nevertheless, installing CO detectors can easily shield you and your household. Find out more about this potentially lethal gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Lakeland property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer due to its lack of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like an oven or furnace can generate carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have a problem, difficulties can crop up when equipment is not regularly maintained or properly vented. These oversights can lead to an accumulation of this potentially deadly gas in your home. Generators and heating appliances are the most common causes for CO poisoning.

When exposed to lower levels of CO, you might suffer from fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to high amounts could result in cardiorespiratory failure, and even death.

Recommendations For Where To Place Lakeland Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home is without a carbon monoxide detector, get one today. If possible, you should use one on each floor, including basements. Here are some recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Lakeland:

  • Place them on every level, specifically where you use fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, fireplaces, gas dryers, and water heaters.
  • You ought to always install one within 10 feet of sleeping areas. If you only have one CO detector, this is where it should go.
  • Place them approximately 10 to 20 feet from potential CO sources.
  • Do not affix them right beside or above fuel-burning appliances, as a non-hazardous amount of carbon monoxide could be emitted when they turn on and set off a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls approximately five feet from the floor so they can sample air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them near windows or doors and in dead-air areas.
  • Put one in areas above attached garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them according to manufacturer guidelines. You will usually have to replace them every five to six years. You should also make sure any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in good working condition and have proper ventilation.