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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Shreveport Home

Homeowners must defend against a variety of risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about a risk that can’t be discerned by human senses? Carbon monoxide creates an uncommon challenge as you might never know it’s there. Even so, using CO detectors can effectively protect you and your household. Explore more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Shreveport property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer due to its lack of odor, color, and taste, carbon monoxide is a common gas produced by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that utilizes fuels like an oven or fireplace can create carbon monoxide. Even though you usually won’t have a problem, issues can crop up when an appliance is not regularly inspected or appropriately vented. These mistakes could result in a build-up of this dangerous gas in your home. Generators and heating appliances are the most consistent culprits for CO poisoning.

When subjected to low amounts of CO, you may notice fatigue, headaches, dizziness nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to high levels can lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, coma, and death.

Suggestions For Where To Place Shreveport Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector, buy one today. Ideally, you should use one on every floor of your home, and that includes basements. Here are some suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Shreveport:

  • Install them on each floor, particularly where you have fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • You ought to always use one within 10 feet of sleeping areas. If you only have one carbon monoxide detector, this is where it should go.
  • install them about 10 to 20 feet from sources of CO.
  • Avoid installing them directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as a bit of carbon monoxide could be released when they kick on and set off a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls about five feet above the floor so they may test air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air areas and beside windows or doors.
  • Install one in areas above garages.

Inspect your CO detectors regularly and maintain them according to manufacturer guidelines. You will generally need to switch them out in six years or less. You should also ensure any fuel-burning appliances are in in good working condition and have appropriate ventilation.