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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Yakima House

Residents must defend against various risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about a danger that can’t be detected by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other dangers because you may never be aware that it’s there. Despite that, installing CO detectors can effectively shield your loved ones and property. Learn more about this potentially lethal gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Yakima property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Referred to as the silent killer due to its lack of odor, taste, or color, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas caused by an incomplete combustion of fuels. Any appliance that consumes fuels like a fireplace or furnace may produce carbon monoxide. While you typically won’t have any trouble, issues can arise when equipment is not frequently serviced or appropriately vented. These oversights could result in a build-up of the potentially lethal gas in your residence. Heating appliances and generators are commonly to blame for CO poisoning.

When subjected to lower concentrations of CO, you could experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to higher concentrations could cause cardiopulmonary arrest, and even death.

Tips On Where To Place Yakima Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, get one today. If possible, you ought to install one on every floor of your home, including basements. Here are some recommendations on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Yakima:

  • Install them on each level, particularly in areas where you use fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • Always have one no more than 10 feet away from bedrooms. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is where to put it.
  • install them about 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Do not install them directly above or next to fuel-utilizing appliances, as a little carbon monoxide could be discharged when they turn on and set off a false alarm.
  • Fasten them to walls at least five feet from the floor so they can sample air where occupants are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them next to windows or doors and in dead-air areas.
  • Put one in spaces above attached garages.

Test your CO detectors routinely and maintain them per manufacturer guidelines. You will generally have to switch them out within five or six years. You should also ensure any fuel-burning appliances are in in proper working condition and have adequate ventilation.