Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can even be deadly if you’re exposed to it for too long. Leaks often come from gas-burning appliances like stoves, fireplaces, and furnaces. Many of these common appliances are in our homes, but you aren’t always aware when there’s a leak. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause severe headaches, nausea, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain, and even death if exposed to it for too long.
In this blog, Star Heating & Cooling explains why you need a carbon monoxide detector and shares how we can help keep your home and family safer with this equipment.
Why You Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced when fuel-burning appliances that do not fully complete the combustion process. This gas can result from various sources in the home, such as:
- Natural gas or oil heating systems
- Gas and charcoal grills
- Gas and wood-burning fireplaces or stoves
- Gas generators
- Natural gas ovens
- Natural gas water heaters
- Vehicles running in an attached garage.
Every year, 430 humans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. To help keep you safe and so you can avoid long-term exposure, you’ll want to have a carbon monoxide detector installed so you can be made aware of its’ presence. A carbon monoxide sensor measures the levels of carbon monoxide in the air. They will sound an alarm when levels are abnormal so your family can seek safety and solve the problem.
Where to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
For optimal carbon monoxide detection, you’ll need to install your sensors in the right places for the best results. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide doesn’t rise. It instead mixes with the air, which is one of the reasons detecting carbon monoxide is so difficult.
Carbon monoxide detectors are only effective at helping prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when placed in the right spots. Every floor of your home should have at least one of these devices, but the more, the better.
The most important place to have a carbon monoxide detector installed is near the bedrooms. You want to be sure that you’re alerted with a carbon monoxide alarm as soon as possible if there is a problem, even if you’re asleep.
You can also install CO detectors in other critical areas of your home, like the kitchen and near the door to the garage. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement.
It’s important not to install carbon monoxide detectors too close to possible gas sources to prevent false readings. They should also be kept out of high moisture areas to avoid damage.
Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed between the knee and eye level. If you have a house with small children, you might want to place the CO detectors higher on the wall so they are not accidentally unplugged.
How to Choose the Right Carbon Monoxide Detector
Not all carbon monoxide detectors are created equal, and many options are available. You want to make sure you’re buying a CO detector that will meet your specific needs and comply with the most current safety standards. While it may seem easy to google the cheapest CO detector and choose that one, quality is important regarding safety.
Because of the crucial reasons why you need a carbon monoxide alarm, there are a few factors you’ll want to take into consideration when choosing a carbon monoxide detector:
- The type of detector (stand-alone or connected)
- The sensor type (electrochemical, optical, or fuel cell)
- The alarm type (voice alarm, sound alarm, or both)
- The power source (battery operated or AC/DC powered)
Star Heating & Cooling offers the installation of carbon monoxide detectors for your home. Our team can explain your equipment options and help you choose the right system for your family. We perform the expert installation to ensure all carbon monoxide detectors are installed in appropriate locations and function properly for your safety. We are happy to educate our neighbors on why you need a carbon monoxide detector and how to use them properly!
How Often to Test a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide detectors have a test button that allows you to check the alarm and its functionality. Each month, test your CO detectors by holding the test button until the alarm sounds. If the carbon monoxide alarm is weak or absent, change the batteries and retest. If you still have problems, you need to replace the device.
It’s also important to remember that carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan of about seven years, although the quality of the unit itself is a factor. Be sure to replace your detector when it nears the end of its life. Most devices have a manufacturer’s date or expiration date printed on the back to help you determine when you need to schedule a replacement.
If your CO detectors run on batteries, make it a habit to replace the batteries in your detectors and smoke detector every daylight savings time. This helps make sure that your batteries never die without you knowing and that you always have working safety equipment ready to alert you.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Services
Every Indianapolis homeowner should install a carbon monoxide detector to keep their family safe. Carbon monoxide is an poisonous gas that can be deadly upon exposure, which is why you need a carbon monoxide detector. Detectors will sound an alarm if there is carbon monoxide in your home, giving you time to escape before it’s too late.
Star Heating & Cooling offers carbon monoxide detector installation in Indianapolis. Call us today to learn more.