Do I Need A Carbon Monoxide Detector?
The answer is: yes, absolutely.
If you’re wondering exactly why you need carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home or apartment, it’s time to take a closer look at:
- the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning
- what CO detectors are
- how they work to keep you and your family safe
What Are the Risks of Carbon Monoxide?
Known as a “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly to humans within minutes of exposure. The gas is a byproduct of any fuel-burning appliances in the home, including those running on natural gas, propane, coal, oil, and wood.
Carbon monoxide can be introduced to indoor air through several different sources:
- A malfunctioning fuel-burning appliance or one that was improperly installed
- Running/operating portable power generators, fuel-burning power tools or vehicles in the home, garage or building attached to the home
- A blocked fireplace chimney or flue
- Air pressure changes and back drafting
- A venting failure
Regardless of the source, when CO is inhaled it inhibits the blood’s oxygen supply, which is why immediate detection is so crucial.
How Can You Detect Carbon Monoxide?
You will not smell it, see it, or otherwise sense it on your own. And if you are sleeping, its presence will not wake you up – in fact, it will make it even harder for you to wake up to save yourself and your family. A carbon monoxide detector is truly the only way to know carbon monoxide is in the home. It is impossible to identify carbon monoxide without the help of a device.
Once you or a family member begins to experience the onset of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, it can be too late. If you identify symptoms in yourself or family members, act immediately to vacate the premises. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion can turn deadly in a matter of minutes. Take a look at this blog for a more in-depth look at the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
As you consider the risks, it’s important to understand all homes must be equipped with fully functioning carbon monoxide detectors – they are the only way to safeguard you and your family from the dangers of CO poisoning.
How to Use Carbon Monoxide Detectors to Keep Your Family Safe
Similar to smoke detectors, it will require more than one CO detector device to provide your home (and perhaps your apartment) with the necessary protection. The number of detectors you should install depends on the size of your home and the number of levels. Most homeowners choose between dedicated CO detectors (to accompany their smoke detectors) and combination CO-and-smoke detectors.
Here are best practices for the placement and use of CO detectors in your home (though instructions vary by type of detector):
- Properly install detectors on every level of the home, in each sleeping area, and one in the basement.
- Place them a minimum of 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
- Do not allow anything to obstruct or cover the devices and do not place them next to a window or door.
- Conduct weekly tests of the carbon monoxide alarms by pressing the reset or test button.
Scheduling professional carbon monoxide detector installation will ensure you receive the top products available on the market as well as the proper installation you need to ensure safety.
Getting the job done right will be bring you peace of mind, knowing your family can rest easy without fear of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Call Aire Serv for Expert Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation
Are you looking to have top-performing carbon monoxide detectors professionally installed in your home? Perhaps you are also interested in other professional services to safeguard your home against dangers of carbon monoxide. Your local Aire Serv® team is your source for carbon monoxide detectors, professional installation, and related services. Schedule an appointment online or call anytime for 24/7 emergency service.