ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Madison & Surrounding Areas
Carbon monoxide detector attached to wall of home
January 08, 2024

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Madison Property

Property owners must protect against numerous risks like burglary, flooding, and fire. But what about a danger that can’t be perceived by human senses? Carbon monoxide poses a unique challenge as you may never know it’s there. Nevertheless, implementing CO detectors can effectively protect your family and property. Find out more about this potentially lethal gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Madison property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Referred to as the silent killer due to its absence of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-burning appliance like an oven or furnace can create carbon monoxide. While you typically won’t have any trouble, difficulties can arise when an appliance is not routinely inspected or adequately vented. These mistakes can cause a build-up of this potentially deadly gas in your interior. Generators and heaters of various types are commonly responsible for CO poisoning.

When in contact with low amounts of CO, you may notice fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to elevated concentrations may lead to cardiorespiratory failure, and even death.

Tips For Where To Place Madison Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you don’t own at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home, purchase one now. Preferably, you ought to use one on every floor of your home, including basements. Browse these recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Madison:

  • Put them on each level, especially where you have fuel-burning appliances, such as fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers.
  • Always use one no more than 10 feet away from bedrooms. If you only install one CO detector, this is where to put it.
  • install them about 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO producing appliances.
  • Avoid installing them directly next to or above fuel-utilizing appliances, as a non-hazardous amount of carbon monoxide may be discharged when they start and prompt a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls at least five feet above the ground so they can measure air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them beside windows or doors and in dead-air zones.
  • Place one in spaces above garages.

Check your CO detectors often and maintain them per manufacturer instructions. You will usually need to replace them every five to six years. You should also make certain any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in good working order and have adequate ventilation.