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January 08, 2024

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Chicago House

Homeowners must defend against various risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about something that you aren’t able to see or smell? Carbon monoxide is different from other risks because you may never know it’s there. Nevertheless, installing CO detectors can simply shield your loved ones and property. Find out more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Chicago property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer as of a result of its absence of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a common gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that uses fuels like a fireplace or furnace may generate carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have a problem, complications can arise when an appliance is not regularly inspected or adequately vented. These missteps may lead to a proliferation of the potentially lethal gas in your home. Heating appliances and generators are the most consistent reasons for CO poisoning.

When exposed to low levels of CO, you may notice fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to high levels can cause cardiorespiratory failure, coma, and death.

Recommendations On Where To Place Chicago Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t own at least one carbon monoxide detector in your residence, get one today. If possible, you should have one on each level of your home, including basements. Here are a few tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Chicago:

  • Put them on each level, specifically in areas where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, including water heaters, furnaces, gas dryers, and fireplaces.
  • Always have one no more than 10 feet away from bedroom areas. If you only install one CO detector, this is where it should go.
  • Place them about 10 to 20 feet away from sources of CO.
  • Do not affix them right above or next to fuel-consuming appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide could be released when they turn on and trigger a false alarm.
  • Fasten them to walls about five feet above the ground so they may measure air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them beside windows or doors and in dead-air zones.
  • Place one in spaces above attached garages.

Test your CO detectors regularly and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer instructions. You will generally have to replace them in six years or less. You should also make sure any fuel-burning appliances are in in optimal working condition and have appropriate ventilation.