Carbon monoxide (CO), the lethal gas that is undetectable by humans, can be detected with the use of carbon monoxide alarms. These home security products are not in every home; in fact, only in the last few years have certain state legislators began requiring that all new homes include carbon monoxide detectors. While carbon monoxide poisoning is still relatively uncommon, the fact that we cannot tell when it is around might be reason enough for homeowners to consider installing carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. Many home security professionals will strongly recommend that you install them for that very reason. If you have chosen to install one or more of these security devices in your home, here are a few suggested guidelines:
Where to Install
The location in which carbon monoxide alarms are placed is hugely important. If you are installing several devices in your home, place at least one on each floor of the home and one in every bedroom if at all possible. If you are going to install only one CO alarm, then it has been recommended by the CPSC to install it near to where you sleep so that you are awakened by the alarm in the event of a carbon monoxide crisis. If you live in a two or more story home and you’re not sure which floor to place your carbon monoxide alarms on, know that the gas weighs about the same as air and so it will rise with heat. Carbon monoxide is known to come from heat sources like home furnaces, and so as the heat rises to heat the home, so will the gas if it is present.
Where NOT to Install
Carbon monoxide alarms are likely to respond to fuel-burning by kitchen appliances because they have been known to expel the gas at the initial moment of use. CO is also created by open gas flames, space heaters, running the car in the garage for too long, or similar processes that do not completely combust fossil fuels. Therefore, to avoid false alarms, make sure to place your carbon monoxide detector at least 10 or 15 feet away from kitchen appliances and other potential sources of CO formation. You should also avoid placing them in locations that get particularly humid, including bathrooms, because this will inhibit the alarms’ functionality.
Additional Installation Tips
As far as the actual installation goes, putting in carbon monoxide alarms is only a matter of following the instruction manual for the CO unit. You can always call a security technician to help you if you are stuck or if you’d rather make sure it’s done right the first time. Additional location installation recommendations are available from the maker. If you’ve contacted a home security company for your carbon monoxide alarms, consult with them on where to place your devices around your home. They will be able to help you figure out the best placement to make sure that nobody in your home is poisoned by this toxic gas.
Carbon monoxide alarms are now sturdy enough to last as long as 5 to 6 years or more. As a reliable tool to protect you and your family from the harmful effects of this poisonous gas, take them into account as you plan your home security. You can even get your carbon monoxide detector to be connected to your home security system so that your monitoring service has their ears open for CO detection as well. Contact a home security professional for more information on carbon monoxide detectors and home security by calling 866-565-4305.