Reasons You Need Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- CO gas leaks can be detected early Carbon Monoxide detectors are suitable for properties of all sizes, whether they are flats or large houses. ...
- Many home appliances are known CO sources These appliances can produce CO as a by-product of their regular operation. ...
- Accurate alarms can detect accumulating CO levels ...
Should a carbon monoxide detector be high or low?
The short answer is that the placement height of carbon monoxide detectors does not matter because carbon monoxide spreads evenly (ceiling, middle, floor) throughout the air in a home. Some say detectors are more effective closer to the ground because they believe carbon monoxide is heavier than air; therefore, it concentrates low to the floor.
What are the requirements for carbon monoxide detectors?
detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor because carbon monoxide is lighter than air and because it can be detected with warm, rising air. It is possible to place the detector on the ceiling. If you place the detector near a fireplace or appliance that produces flame, do not touch it.
How to choose the right carbon monoxide detector?
Before buying and installing a carbon monoxide detector, consider the following:
- Check your county/town regulations regarding types of alarms and placement. ...
- Check the package to make sure the product meets UL Standard 2034.
- Check the date of manufacture; CO detectors lose their sensitivity over time. ...
- Consumer Reports suggests testing your alarm weekly and vacuuming it monthly.
Why is carbon monoxide more dangerous than carbon dioxide?
Carbon monoxide is poisonous, whereas carbon-dioxide is non-toxic in nature. Carbon monoxide is toxic because it is capable of forming a complex with haemoglobin (carboxy-haemoglobin), which is more stable than the oxygen-haemoglobin complex. The concentration range of 3-4% of carboxy-haemoglobin decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
See more
What makes Carbon Monoxide poisonous?
For the full scoop, we consulted howstuffworks.com, and it turns out the answer involves your blood.
What are the sources of carbon monoxide?
Most often, the sources of Carbon Monoxide are cracked or loose furnace exchangers, stoves and ranges, fireplaces, corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipes, generators, or even cars left running in garages.
What is CO?
CO is the scientific formula for the gas otherwise referred to as carbon monoxide.
Why does it need to be monitored?
Though we hope it never occurs, a leak in your heat exchanger can happen; when it does, there is a potential that anyone in the room where air that passes across this heat exchanger is expelled may be exposed to harmful levels of this gas. Remember: unlike smoke from a fire, it’s impossible for a human to discern harmful levels of CO, and so it’s incredibly important to have CO monitors in your home.
How many people die from carbon monoxide poisoning?
Sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning. CO poisoning increases in the winter months due to improper ventilation. According to the CDC, nearly 500 people die each year from Carbon Monoxide poisoning needlessly. And over 50,000 people in the US have to go to the emergency room every year due to accidental CO poisoning.
Is carbon monoxide a silent killer?
Often called “the silent killer”, CO, or carbon monoxide should be on your radar when it comes to keeping your family safe. If your home has any gas appliance such as a gas stove, gas furnace, gas water heater or even a fireplace, you are at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Is carbon monoxide lighter than air?
In truth, carbon monoxide is actually just a little lighter than air, and as such disperses fairly evenly. All the same, they are often placed by the floor as the stand-alone models need to be plugged into an outlet and so homeowners can read the screen of the alarm – should it have one.
How do I choose the best carbon monoxide detector?
High-end or more affordable, corded or wireless, battery-powered or battery-free. The list of features is lengthy, and you’ll be able to find a CO detector to suit any budget. You can find a CO detector in most DIY or home improvement shops, or simply buy one online.
How does a CO detector work, and how’s it different from a smoke detector?
A carbon monoxide detector is not a smoke detector, since the 2 detector types analyse different gases to ensure your home safety.
Why is carbon monoxide a dangerous gas?
In order to really get to grips with carbon monoxide detectors, it’s important to define the properties and effects of the dangerous gas that they’re designed to detect.
How to install a carbon monoxide detector?
Once you install a carbon monoxide detector, follow these steps to make sure it works and provides the best protection possible: 1 Ensure the detector is between 15-20 feet away from a source of carbon monoxide, like a fireplace or furnace, because low levels of carbon monoxide present nearby may trigger the alarm unnecessarily 2 Ensure nothing is covering or blocking the detector 3 Ensure the detector is not near a window or door 4 Test the detector on a regular basis 5 Vacuum the detector monthly to remove dust and dirt that may clog the sensor. Be sure not to clean with any chemicals or solvents as that can damage the sensor.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, stoves, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, furnaces, and similar devices. It is extremely harmful to people and animals who breathe it because it prevents your blood from carrying oxygen to your cells. Increased levels within an enclosed area can lead to poisoning or death, so having a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home can help save your life. If the alarm sounds, you’ll know to evacuate the home and call for help.
Who is most at risk for CO poisoning?
Although everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, some types of jobs put you more at risk. These can include:
Is carbon monoxide poisonous?
Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas produced as a byproduct of combustion – think automobiles, fireplaces, space heaters, and grills. Anything that burns fuel has the potential to release lethal fumes, putting you and your family in danger. The winter months typically see heightened CO hazards due to people using different heating sources in the home.
Why do you need a carbon monoxide detector in an electric house?
Having at least one carbon monoxide detector in an all electric house will help you monitor the air inside your house and alert you when there is carbon monoxide that could lead to health issues.
Why is carbon monoxide considered a silent killer?
It has often been called a silent killer and the reason is that carbon monoxide detector kills without mercy. It kills without the person knowing he’s dying.
What Can Produce Carbon Monoxide in an All-Electric House?
There is nothing inside an all electric house that can produce carbon monoxide. Electric heaters, toasters, and electric water heaters do not produce carbon monoxide, therefore, it is safe to use them in an all electric house.
Do you need a carbon monoxide detector for a wood burning fireplace?
Wood burning fireplaces: This is the number one generator of carbon monoxide in the house. If you have a wood-burning fireplace in your electric house, then you need a carbon monoxide detector.
Can carbon monoxide escape from an electric car?
Garages: If your garage is attached to your all-electric house, carbon monoxide from your cars is likely to escape and enter your all-electric house if you leave your car engine on for a very long time. Except you are using an electric car that doesn’t produce carbon monoxide. Always leave the garage door or window open whenever your car engine is running for enough ventilation inside the garage.
Does an electric car produce carbon monoxide?
Even if you are using an electric car, how sure are you that your electric car does not produce carbon monoxide? It is important to note that most electric cars produce carbon monoxide except you’re using one of those expensive electric cars like Tesla, etc.
Is it safe to install a carbon monoxide detector?
Trust me, installing the detector is not just to protect you and your family alone, it is to protect your building as well. It must have cost your fortune to build an all-electric house. Trust me, you don’t want to end up dying inside it because you refused to install a carbon monoxid e detector.
