Everyone knows that carbon monoxide is a very toxic gas. It is especially more dangerous as it is not only odorless but also colorless, which makes it very difficult to spot. However, fortunately, we have carbon monoxide detectors that can protect your life and the lives of those you love from this deadly gas. But these detectors are efficient only if you place them in the correct locations in your house.

What Are the Ideal Places for Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Carbon monoxide detectors can protect you and your family. However, knowing where to place these detectors plays a crucial role in keeping you and your family away from this poisonous gas.

• It is recommended to install the CO detectors around five feet off the floor as the CO gas is lighter than air and can be found along with rising and warm atmosphere.
• Rooms that include a fuel-burning appliance or central areas such as a hallway or a landing should always have a carbon monoxide detector.
• CO detectors should be placed near or just outside the bedroom so as when the detector sounds the alarm even during the night, you will hear it even if you are a heavy sleeper.
• Now, for all those who have pets, keep in mind that your CO detectors should be installed in areas where your pets can’t reach them. If not, well, you know what can happen if these detectors get in the hands, oh sorry, I meant in the paws of your pets.
• If you have an attached garage, then a CO detector should also be placed in the garage. Why? Well, because cars that use internal combustion engines tend to produce carbon monoxide and this dangerous gas can quickly spread to the other places in your house.
• Now, when it comes to the alarm, it should be placed at head height. It’s not necessary to fix it on a wall. For instance, it can be placed on a table, shelf, or bookcase.
• As there can be different levels of CO on the floors of a multi-story house, it is advised to place a CO detector on every floor so as to keep every area of the home safe and secure.
• All CO detectors are not the same and due to the variations in the manufacturing specifications, it is better to follow the CO detector manufacturer’s recommendations.

Where to Avoid Placing Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

A CO detector can indeed save a life, but there can also be false alarms. And, in these cases, hearing the detector sound off can be quite a shocking experience. If you want to avoid these situations, all you need to do is to make sure that the CO detectors are placed only in areas where they can accurately measure the levels of CO in the house.

• Avoid installing a CO detector in an area that is open to direct sunlight, as high temperatures can trigger false alarms.
• It is better also to avoid installing detectors near fuel-burning appliances such as gas furnaces and gas space heaters as such places will always have a high level of CO compared to other areas.
• In addition, a CO detector should never be placed near air-blowing sources such as open windows, fans and vents. Due to the blowing air coming from these sources, a CO detector cannot accurately identify unsafe CO concentrations.
• Moreover, it is strongly recommended not to install CO detectors in or near humid areas of the house like the bathroom as due to the dense, moist air, the detectors fail to recognize accurate levels of CO.
• Did you know that the fumes from certain volatile cleaning products can trigger the alarm of a CO detector? This is why you should never place a detector in places where you store bleach and other household chemicals.

Will you follow these tips when installing your CO detectors? Please share your comments!