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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Grand Rapids Residence

Residents must safeguard against various risks like burglary, flooding, and fire. But what about a danger that can’t be detected by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other dangers as you might never know it’s there. Even so, using CO detectors can easily protect you and your household. Find out more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Grand Rapids residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer because of its absence of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that consumes fuels like a fireplace or furnace may create carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have any trouble, difficulties can present when appliances are not routinely serviced or properly vented. These oversights could lead to a build-up of this potentially deadly gas in your interior. Generators and heaters of various types are commonly to blame for CO poisoning.

When subjected to minute concentrations of CO, you could suffer from dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels can cause cardiopulmonary arrest, and even death.

Suggestions On Where To Place Grand Rapids Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home is without a carbon monoxide detector, purchase one now. If possible, you ought to install one on every level of your home, including basements. Browse these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Grand Rapids:

  • Place them on every level, particularly where you have fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, fireplaces, gas dryers, and water heaters.
  • Always install one within 10 feet of bedroom areas. If you only have one CO detector, this is where to put it.
  • install them approximately 10 to 20 feet from sources of CO.
  • Avoid installing them immediately above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as a small degree of carbon monoxide could be emitted when they turn on and prompt a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls at least five feet off the ground so they will test air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them in dead-air zones and near windows or doors.
  • Place one in spaces above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors often and maintain them according to manufacturer recommendations. You will typically need to replace units within five or six years. You should also make certain any fuel-consuming appliances are in in proper working shape and adequately vented.