Carbon monoxide detectors are an essential safety instrument that should be installed in every home. You also need to make sure you position yours properly so that they are working optimally and constantly providing protection.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless and clear gas that’s a byproduct of the combustion process that your heating system uses to create warm air for your home. It is lethal and should not be allowed to enter your home but when it does, you need to know about its presence immediately. This will help you quickly find and fix the source of the CO.
Proper Placement
Your home needs at least one detector on each floor, even in the basement. Ideally, you’ll have one within 15 feet of each bedroom so that if they go off, they can wake up the occupant, even when he or she is sleeping deeply. You should also keep one near any major gas-burning appliances such as the furnace. These carbon monoxide detectors, however, should be kept at least 10 feet away since upon ignition some fuel-burning appliances release harmless, trace amounts of CO.
Different Types
There are two main kinds of carbon monoxide detectors available:
- Electronically powered detectors: These are powered by your home’s electrical current and plug directly into an outlet. They typically have a battery-powered backup to keep them running in case your power goes out.
- Battery powered detectors: These run solely off batteries, which gives you more leeway in where you decide to keep them located.
Some manufacturers also make devices that serve as both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You won’t need as many safety devices in your home but they are somewhat restrictive. They have to be hard-wired into your home’s electrical system and mounted to the ceiling in order to effectively detect smoke.
To learn more about the important role that carbon monoxide detectors play in your family’s safety, contact Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning today. We have proudly served the greater Fresno area for over 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about carbon monoxide detectors and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Donald P Dick Air Conditioning services the greater Fresno area in California. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!