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Carbon monoxide detector attached to wall of home
January 08, 2024

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Portland Property

Property owners must protect against various risks like fire, flooding, and burglary. But what about something that you can’t smell or see? Carbon monoxide creates an uncommon challenge as you may never be aware that it’s there. Nevertheless, installing CO detectors can effectively protect your loved ones and property. Learn more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Portland home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer because of its lack of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like an oven or furnace may create carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have a problem, issues can crop up when equipment is not routinely maintained or adequately vented. These missteps may cause a build-up of this potentially deadly gas in your residence. Generators and heating appliances are commonly culpable for CO poisoning.

When exposed to lower amounts of CO, you may suffer from fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to high levels could lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, coma, and death.

Recommendations On Where To Place Portland Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector, buy one today. If possible, you should install one on every floor, and that includes basements. Review these suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Portland:

  • Place them on each level, particularly where you use fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • You should always use one no more than 10 feet away from bedroom areas. If you only have one CO detector, this is where it should go.
  • Place them about 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid affixing them right beside or above fuel-burning appliances, as a little carbon monoxide might be discharged when they turn on and trigger a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls about five feet above the floor so they can measure air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them in dead-air places and next to windows or doors.
  • Put one in areas above attached garages.

Inspect your CO detectors regularly and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. You will usually need to replace them in six years or less. You should also ensure any fuel-consuming appliances are in in optimal working condition and have adequate ventilation.