Carbon monoxide leaks are an emergency situation. Gas stoves, dryers, furnaces, wood-burning fireplaces and other gas or flame-ignited appliances are all potential sources of carbon monoxide leaks. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes headaches, nausea and other symptoms, which can turn into a life-threatening emergency with continued exposure to this gas. But don't fret.
Carbon monoxide detectors can provide you with an immediate alert when a leak is detected, allowing you and your household to get to safety outside as soon as possible. Keep the following tips in mind when placing carbon monoxide detectors for the best protection possible.
Place detectors at the right level
Carbon monoxide detectors work best when you place them roughly five feet above floors. Putting them too low might cause them to be less effective at detecting carbon monoxide leaks, since carbon monoxide is lighter than air. You can put carbon monoxide detectors on ceilings if you don't have a good spot to put them on the wall.
Keep detectors away from flame sources
Putting carbon monoxide detectors too close to flame sources could cause them to go off when there is no carbon monoxide leak. Keep these detectors away from fireplaces and any flame-producing appliances, such as gas stoves.
Place detectors in safe areas
Carbon monoxide detectors should be kept out of the reach of kids and pets, so they don't play with them or accidentally set them off by pressing buttons. Keeping detectors out of reach also protects them from damage.
Install a detector on every floor
Each floor in your home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector, which helps ensure, no matter where a leak is occurring, the nearest carbon monoxide detector will detect it and alert you and your household.
Place a detector near sleeping areas
Carbon monoxide leaks can occur during the night when you and your household are sound asleep. Having a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas in your home helps ensure you and yours will wake up via the alert in the middle of the night, so you can get to safety.
Test detectors regularly
Check your carbon monoxide detectors regularly, such as once a week, to make sure they're working. Replace the batteries in these detectors every year to keep them working properly.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
