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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Wichita Property

Property owners must defend 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 poses a unique challenge because you may never know it’s there. Nevertheless, installing CO detectors can effectively protect your loved ones and property. Find out more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Wichita property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer due to its absence of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that uses fuels like a fireplace or furnace may produce carbon monoxide. Although you normally won’t have any trouble, difficulties can present when appliances are not regularly serviced or appropriately vented. These mistakes can result in an accumulation of this potentially deadly gas in your residence. Heating appliances and generators are the most common reasons for CO poisoning.

When subjected to minute amounts of CO, you could notice fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to elevated concentrations could result in cardiopulmonary arrest, and potentially death.

Recommendations On Where To Place Wichita Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home is without a carbon monoxide detector, purchase one today. Ideally, you should install one on every floor of your home, including basements. Here are several tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Wichita:

  • Install them on each level, particularly where you use fuel-burning appliances, like fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers.
  • You should always install one within 10 feet of bedroom areas. If you only get one CO detector, this is the place for it.
  • Position them about 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Do not affix them directly next to or above fuel-utilizing appliances, as a bit of carbon monoxide might be released when they turn on and set off a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls approximately five feet from the ground so they can test air where people are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them in dead-air areas and next to windows or doors.
  • Install one in areas above attached garages.

Test your CO detectors often and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. You will usually have to replace units every five to six years. You should also make sure any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in optimal working shape and have adequate ventilation.