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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Boise House

Residents must safeguard against a variety of risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about something that can’t be detected by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other dangers because you may never realize it’s there. Even so, installing CO detectors can easily protect you and your household. Learn more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Boise home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer because of its lack of odor, color, and taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that utilizes fuels like a fireplace or furnace can generate carbon monoxide. While you typically won’t have problems, issues can present when equipment is not frequently maintained or adequately vented. These oversights could result in a build-up of this dangerous gas in your interior. Heating appliances and generators are the most consistent causes for CO poisoning.

When subjected to lower levels of CO, you may notice fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to high amounts may lead to cardiorespiratory failure, and potentially death.

Tips For Where To Place Boise Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, purchase one today. If possible, you should install one on each floor, including basements. Here are a few tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Boise:

  • Place them on each level, especially in places where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, fireplaces, gas dryers, and water heaters.
  • You should always install one no more than 10 feet away from bedrooms. If you only get one CO detector, this is where to put it.
  • Place them about 10 to 20 feet from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Do not position them directly beside or above fuel-burning appliances, as a small amount of carbon monoxide might be discharged when they turn on and set off a false alarm.
  • Fasten them to walls approximately five feet above the ground so they may measure air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them near doors or windows and in dead-air areas.
  • Place one in areas above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors regularly and maintain them per manufacturer guidelines. You will generally need to replace them in six years or less. You should also make sure any fuel-burning appliances are in in good working condition and sufficiently vented.