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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Ocala Residence

Homeowners must protect against a variety of risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about a danger that you are unable to smell or see? Carbon monoxide is different from other dangers as you might never be aware that it’s there. Despite that, implementing CO detectors can effectively safeguard your family and property. Explore more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Ocala home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer because of its absence of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a commonly found gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-consuming appliance like an oven or fireplace can produce carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have problems, difficulties can arise when appliances are not routinely inspected or adequately vented. These oversights could cause a build-up of this potentially deadly gas in your residence. Heating appliances and generators are the most common culprits for CO poisoning.

When subjected to low concentrations of CO, you might suffer from fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to higher concentrations can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, and potentially death.

Tips On Where To Place Ocala Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, buy one today. If possible, you should install one on each floor of your home, including basements. Explore these tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Ocala:

  • Place them on each floor, especially in places where you have fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • You should always install one within 10 feet of bedroom areas. If you only have one CO detector, this is where it should go.
  • Position them approximately 10 to 20 feet from sources of CO.
  • Do not install them directly above or next to fuel-burning appliances, as a little carbon monoxide may be released when they start and prompt a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls approximately five feet off the ground so they can measure air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air zones and near windows or doors.
  • Install one in areas above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors often and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer instructions. You will generally have to switch them out every five to six years. You should also make sure any fuel-burning appliances are in in optimal working order and sufficiently vented.