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January 08, 2024

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Washington, DC House

Residents must protect against various risks like fire, flooding, and burglary. But what about something that you aren’t able to smell or see? Carbon monoxide is different from other threats as you might never know it’s there. Even so, using CO detectors can easily safeguard you and your household. Explore more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Washington, DC residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer as of a result of its lack of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas formed by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that consumes fuels like a fireplace or furnace may produce carbon monoxide. Although you usually won’t have a problem, complications can arise when appliances are not routinely maintained or appropriately vented. These missteps can result in a build-up of this dangerous gas in your residence. Generators and heaters of various types are commonly to blame for CO poisoning.

When subjected to lower amounts of CO, you might suffer from fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to elevated amounts can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, coma, and death.

Tips For Where To Place Washington, DC Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home is without a carbon monoxide detector, get one now. Ideally, you ought to have one on each floor of your home, and that includes basements. Browse these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Washington, DC:

  • Install them on every floor, especially where you have fuel-burning appliances, such as fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers.
  • Always use one within 10 feet of sleeping areas. If you only install one CO detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them about 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Do not affix them immediately beside or above fuel-consuming appliances, as a non-threatening amount of carbon monoxide could be emitted when they kick on and set off a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls at least five feet above the floor so they may measure air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air zones and near doors or windows.
  • Place one in rooms above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors routinely and maintain them per manufacturer guidelines. You will generally need to switch them out within five or six years. You should also ensure any fuel-burning appliances are in in good working condition and adequately vented.