Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when there is an elevated level of carbon monoxide in the air. When this gas is inhaled into the lungs, it can become a life threatening situation for an individual if they are not treated for the poisoning in time.
The best way to make sure this situation never occurs is to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. These detectors will check the level of carbon monoxide in the air and will alert you when this level becomes too high.
When fuels are not completely combusted, carbon monoxide is formed.
In a home carbon monoxide can form in:
- Water heaters
- Space heaters
- Chimneys that are blocked
- Generators
This is why it is critical that every household has at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home. The detector will help prevent prolonged exposure to this deadly gas.
The Best Areas In The Home To Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector
There are several options to choose from when you want to purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home. You can choose to install a detector that is operated with batteries or you can choose to install detectors in your home that require a wall outlet so they can be operational.
Carbon monoxide detectors on the market range from biometric detectors to semiconductor detectors. The biometric detectors use a hemoglobin disk that darkens when there is too much carbon monoxide in the air. Once the disk darkens an alarm will sound.
Semiconductor detectors use computer chips to detect elevated gas levels. The chip will trigger the alarm when there is a continuous flow of gas into the air.
One detector is sufficient for a single story dwelling, however, a structure with multiple levels will benefit greatly with a detector on each floor. If you are only installing one detector in your home, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you place the carbon monoxide detector in your bedroom.
Installing the detector in the same room where you sleep will ensure that you hear the alarm even if you are in a deep sleep.
You should also be aware that carbon monoxide leaks that originate in an appliance will often rise with the warm air that escapes from the appliance. This is why you should make sure that you install the carbon monoxide detector above eye level.
During placement of the detector you should also remember to never place a detector near any appliances that burn fuel. This will cause the detector to constantly sound the alarm even when only a normal amount of carbon monoxide is released into the air.
Carbon monoxide detectors are available in several different styles and shapes. If you want to place electronic detectors in your home, be prepared to pay more for these types of detectors than biometric or semiconductor detectors.
It does not matter what type of detector you decide to purchase, where you install the detector is more important. The detectors will be the most effective when they are installed in the proper areas. Proper placement will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.