Best Places to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide can be a big hazard in the winter; doors and windows tend to remain closed, and there may be periods when air circulation is not as great as during the warmer months. Additionally, furnaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces tend to be used more in the winter, so the risk of carbon monoxide building up indoors is higher. Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you can get carbon monoxide poisoning without even realizing it, which is why detectors are so important.
Where to Place CO Detectors
At a minimum, you should install a battery-powered or battery-backed CO detector on each floor of your home, just as you would with a smoke detector. The CDC recommends placing one carbon monoxide detector in each sleeping area of your home because you are less likely to notice the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning while you sleep. A CO detector should also be placed within 20 feet of every fuel-burning appliance in your home, as they are a source of carbon monoxide leaks. Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are unobstructed and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions so they can operate properly.
Where not to place CO detectors
Since all wood, gas or oil-fired appliances emit some amount of carbon monoxide, it is not recommended to place a standard CO alarm on the chimney or directly above the stove or fireplace. However, placing the detector 5 to 20 feet from your fuel-burning appliance will allow you to evaluate whether your chimney or vent system is working to remove excess CO from inside your home. Another place to avoid installing a CO detector is in a toilet or other enclosed area: a blocked CO detector may not be able to read CO levels in the environment.
Which detector should you use?
You should always choose a carbon monoxide alarm from a reputable brand with an Underwriter Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL) label. A carbon monoxide detector with a digital indicator can show you the CO levels in your home and will also sound an alarm to alert you when it gets too high. This can help you when you need to treat someone for CO exposure and also help evaluate the cause of your CO emergency. The CO alarm with digital indicator will also let you know when it’s time to replace it by signaling “end” on the display.
How often should CO alarm batteries be replaced?
You should change the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm every six months. To make sure you do this on time, replace the batteries in all detectors, including smoke and CO detectors, when you change your clocks to daylight saving time. If you live in a state that doesn’t have Daylight Saving Time, you’ll have to set a reminder on your calendar.
How often should CO detectors be replaced?
You should replace your carbon monoxide alarm every five years, or sooner if the manufacturer recommends it. This is because if your CO alarm wears out, it will not be able to effectively warn you of potential danger. Like smoke alarms, CO alarms should be updated to current safety standards every few years. If you have a model that doesn’t have a display to tell you when it should be replaced, set yourself a reminder so you don’t forget to replace it.