Carbon monoxide detectors are valuable instruments and can mean the difference between life and death. This is why it’s so important to use them effectively. Here are three factors that will lead to you getting the best results.
- Keep It Close: If you are only installing one carbon monoxide detector in your home, it should be close to where you sleep. Keep it at head level close to your bed so if it goes off in the middle of the night, it will be sure to wake you. If you have multiple detectors, use them similarly in other bedrooms to give you extra protection. Different manufacturers may have different specifics on how to place them. Be sure to follow these recommendations as they are based on independent research done for that particular product.
- Keep Them Away From Fuel-Burning Appliances: Appliances that operate by burning fuel will emit a small amount of carbon monoxide each time you use them. This amount is not dangerous but if your detector is close to the appliance, the alarm may sound. Keep your carbon monoxide detector at least 15 feet away from heating or cooking appliances to avoid this from happening. Also be sure to keep it out of areas that can become humid, such as bathrooms.
- Use A Dual Purpose Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Detector: It’s important to remember that a carbon monoxide detector is not the same as a smoke detector. You can, however, purchase a unit that serves as both. While a CO detector will alarm you to the presence of the gas, smoke detectors only detect smoke from fires, two very different situations.
There are also newer models of CO detectors that can display important information. They inform you of the current carbon monoxide level as well as tell you when the highest level has occurred in the recent past. This can help you figure out if you have a potential hazard.
If you have any more questions about the effectiveness of carbon monoxide detectors, contact Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning today. We have been serving the San Joaquin Valley area for nearly 40 years.
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