You already know the importance of installing smoke detectors throughout your home to alert you and your family members of smoke and fire. But what about carbon monoxide detectors?
Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes, as they are not required by Indiana state law unlike in some states. Carbon monoxide alarms, though, are crucial devices to detect and alert you of the presence of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness and even death.
At Star Heating & Cooling, we take your family’s safety seriously. That’s why we offer carbon monoxide detector installation services for the residents of Fishers, Carmel, and Central Indiana. If you’re interested in having carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, contact Star Heating & Cooling today.
What is Carbon Monoxide, and Where Does It Come From?
Carbon monoxide is referred to as the “silent killer” because it’s an odorless, colorless, and, unfortunately, extremely toxic gas. CO can be found wherever fuel is burned. Fuel-burning appliances such as trucks, small engines, fireplaces, furnaces, gas dryers, and gas stoves are some of the more common products that have been known to leak carbon monoxide. Your home’s water heater can even cause a carbon monoxide leak if the system wasn’t installed correctly or it doesn’t receive the proper maintenance.
One of the most common causes of CO exposure indoors is due to a malfunctioning furnace that allows the gas to leak out. This typically occurs because of a cracked heat exchanger or flue pipe or other issues with the ventilation system.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Because people can’t smell the gas, they can be exposed to it for long periods of time without knowing it. Although symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can vary from person to person, children, the elderly, and people with medical issues are at a higher risk.
Increased exposure can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, possibly leading to illness and even death before victims show any symptoms if they are sleeping or have been drinking alcohol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 430 people each year in the U.S. due to exposure to CO, while an estimated 50,000 people are treated in emergency rooms due to exposure.
The installation of a carbon monoxide detector serves the purpose of alerting your family of a possible carbon monoxide leak before poisoning becomes an issue.
Some of the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest Pain
- Confusion
How to Protect Your Family from CO Exposure
Because carbon monoxide is completely invisible and can’t be detected without the use of a carbon monoxide detector, it’s critical to make sure that your home has a functional unit in place. A carbon monoxide detector will alert you when a carbon monoxide leak is present, helping you get out of the area before any carbon monoxide exposure symptoms take place.
The best way to protect your family from CO exposure is to install carbon monoxide alarms on each level of the home and outside of all sleeping areas. The detector’s carbon monoxide alarm will sound if it detects the presence of carbon monoxide so you and your family can safely exit the house and call 911.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, CO detectors should be installed on walls, about 5 feet above the floor, although they can also be installed on ceilings. Do not place them near heat-producing appliances or fireplaces.
We recommend testing your CO detectors on a monthly basis to ensure they are working properly. You can test most detectors by holding the test button for a few seconds until it sounds. If the carbon monoxide alarm has replaceable batteries, change them about every six months.
In order to put your family at ease and be sure that your home is safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide, you absolutely need to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Contact Star for Installation of CO Detectors
CO detectors are available at any hardware or big-box store and are relatively easy to install on your own. But if you want to ensure the installation is done right, contact the indoor air quality professionals at Star Heating & Cooling.
We complete installations of carbon monoxide detectors from top manufacturer, Carrier. Carrier CO detectors scan the air every 15 seconds for 24/7 protection from this dangerous gas. Carrier detectors feature an easy-to-read digital display and a loud 85-decibel carbon monoxide alarm that alerts your family immediately if CO is present in the home.
One of the best features of Carrier CO alarms is they come with a permanent and rechargeable back-up battery to ensure your home is monitored in the case of a power outage.
Star’s the Name to Trust for Indoor Air Quality Solutions
All homes should have properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed for safety purposes. To have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home, contact the IAQ professionals at Star Heating & Cooling today to schedule an appointment.