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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Des Moines Property

Residents must safeguard against a variety of risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about something that you aren’t able to see or smell? Carbon monoxide is different from other risks as you may never realize it’s there. Even so, using CO detectors can simply protect your loved ones and property. Explore more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Des Moines property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Referred to as the silent killer because of its absence of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a common gas produced by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that consumes fuels like an oven or furnace can produce carbon monoxide. Although you normally won’t have a problem, issues can crop up when appliances are not frequently inspected or appropriately vented. These missteps may lead to an accumulation of this dangerous gas in your interior. Generators and heaters of various types are the most frequent reasons for CO poisoning.

When exposed to low amounts of CO, you could experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to higher concentrations could cause cardiorespiratory arrest, and even death.

Recommendations On Where To Place Des Moines Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home is without a carbon monoxide detector, get one today. Ideally, you should have one on every floor of your home, including basements. Explore these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Des Moines:

  • Place them on each level, specifically in places where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, gas dryers, fireplaces, and water heaters.
  • Always install one no more than 10 feet away from bedroom areas. If you only have one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • Position them approximately 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid installing them directly above or beside fuel-utilizing appliances, as a little carbon monoxide could be released when they kick on and set off a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls approximately five feet off the floor so they can measure air where people are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air places and next to doors or windows.
  • Place one in spaces above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors routinely and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. You will typically have to switch them out in six years or less. You should also ensure any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in optimal working order and appropriately vented.