Where Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Protect Your Family Most
The critical need for carbon monoxide detectors in the home can be demonstrated by just one statistic: Over one-third of those killed by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the U.S. die in their sleep. The signs and symptoms of CO poisoning are so subtle that, in the absence of carbon monoxide detectors, even a light sleeper won’t be awakened by the hazard. Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas with neither odor nor taste to warn occupants—awake or asleep—that it’s accumulating to hazardous levels. Once it does, death can occur in minutes.
Carbon monoxide gas is a by-product of combustion in common household appliances such as gas-fired furnaces, stoves and water heaters. CO infiltration may also originate from a vehicle in an attached garage. A carbon monoxide detector continually monitors household air and provides advance warning of dangerous elevations of the gas. Detectors are available in both battery-powered and AC plug-in models for flexibility in locating throughout the house. For optimum protection, follow these guidelines for the placement of carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- If you can install only a single detector, place it near the sleeping areas of the home.
- In a multi-level home, install one detector on each level and one near the bedroom areas.
- Keep detectors at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning cooking appliances and gas- or oil-fired furnaces to prevent false alarms.
- Because CO gas tends to rise with warm air currents, locate detectors at eye-level or higher but not less than six inches from the ceiling.
At Sobieski Services, we place the highest priority of the safety and health of your family. Ask us about installing the latest technology in carbon monoxide detectors.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).
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