The Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Tips for Determining How Many Carbon Monoxide Detectors You Need
Most of us are aware of the importance of having carbon monoxide detectors in our homes, but it can be confusing to determine just how many carbon monoxide detectors we need. Carbon monoxide detectors can alert us to the danger of high levels of carbon monoxide in our homes. In fact, a carbon monoxide detector may be a matter of life and death.
A Silent Killer
Anyone with any carbon monoxide sources in their homes is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Space heaters, oil and gas furnaces, kitchen ranges, and vehicles are all sources of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, weakness, sleepiness, and chest tightness.
How Many?
There is no definite formula for determining precisely how many carbon monoxide detectors your home should have. If you are debating between two different numbers of carbon monoxide detectors in your home, go with the higher number. As a general rule of thumb, the more carbon monoxide detectors the better. Even if you don’t have any sources of carbon monoxide in your home, you still definitely need a carbon monoxide detector if you are attached at all to another home whether it is an apartment, town home, or duplex.
At a bare minimum you should have a carbon monoxide detector installed on each floor of your home. A carbon monoxide detector definitely needs to be installed near your sleeping areas, so you will at least be more likely to hear it during the night if it goes off. Generally carbon monoxide detectors should be installed high, but you should follow the manufacturer instructions that come with your carbon monoxide detector. If you have a furnace, make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector near it.
Keep Everything Up To Date
Double check your carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly. Carbon monoxide detectors actually have an expiration date, so check with the manufacturer instructions to determine how long the carbon monoxide detector is supposed to last.