Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas. It is produced from partially burned fuels including wood, gas, propane, or coal. Partial burning creates carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide.
Risks increase in homes with broken or poorly maintained propane or gas appliances or ventilation problems. But it can be present in any home. Even brand-new appliances will emit CO if installed incorrectly or have the wrong fuel-air mix.
Take this risk seriously. CO impacts the blood’s ability to carry and use oxygen. More than 150 people die every year from accidental non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning. Start with carbon monoxide detection. Then, investigate prevention.
Installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide detectors (sometimes called carbon monoxide alarms) pick up where your senses fail you. They can detect the presence of CO early before it becomes life-threatening. Be sure you have enough of them working correctly and installed in the right places.
How Many Carbon Monoxide Detectors Do I Need?
You should install one CO device outside each sleeping area in your home and at least one CO detector on each level, including basements. You can only count the functioning CO detectors, so test yours monthly.
Where to Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors
According to the EPA, CO detectors should be centrally placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor and never next to the fireplace or a flame-producing appliance. A carbon monoxide detector should be within 10 feet of any bedroom door.
What to Do if Your Carbon Monoxide Detector is going Off
Some things can cause false alarms, so you shouldn’t install them next to a combustion appliance or in bathrooms, where excessive moisture can trigger an alarm.
Never ignore an alarm from your CO detector. Take three quick steps:
- Evacuate people and pets first, just as you would for a fire.
- Call emergency services to report the alarm.
- Let the professionals determine if it’s safe to return to your home.
If your carbon monoxide detector went off and then stopped, your alarm could be trying to tell you there’s a problem. Consult the device’s troubleshooting section of the owner’s manual. Frequently, there are faulty batteries or other problems. Replace devices as frequently as the manufacturer recommends, but typically about every five or six years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Carbon Monoxide Detector Look Like?
Like thermostats or smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors are generally small, round, or rectangular. Some smoke detectors are also CO detectors, but they should be specifically labeled as such. Sometimes, they are installed at knee-level to utilize outlet power, and in an RV, they might be lower still.
Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Detect Natural Gas?
Carbon monoxide detectors do not detect natural gas. They can help detect when a natural gas appliance is not burning properly and generating CO. While natural gas is also colorless and odorless, it typically contains an additive so humans can smell it.
What Other Gases Can Set Off a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
The hydrogen gas that leaks from lead-acid batteries can set off a carbon monoxide detector. As previously mentioned, high moisture/steam can also trigger a false positive. Repeat exposure and false alarms due to steam can corrupt the device, requiring replacement.
Key Prevention Tips
Since you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, the easiest thing to do is prevent exposure in your home. Here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent CO poisoning:
- Use portable generators, grills, and power tools outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents.
- Make sure your vents (dryer, furnace, chimney) are clear of snow and debris.
- Don’t use fuel-burning portable heaters indoors or leave a vehicle running in an enclosed space, especially if you have an attached garage.
- Consider converting fuel-burning appliances to electric where possible.
- Get your heat source inspected before you fire it up as the weather cools; service your appliances regularly.
These simple prevention tips, combined with carbon monoxide monitoring, could save your life. Keeping up on furnace maintenance can also save you money.
HVAC Maintenance Prevents CO Dangers
Prevention and early detection are keys to avoiding carbon monoxide exposure. Schedule an HVAC system tune-up before the weather gets cold. It’s incredibly affordable with a coupon or to members of our Home Comfort Club, and with our tune-ups, you’ll never receive hidden fees, additional charges, or surprise bills.
M.E. Flow Inc., is your trusted Heating, Cooling, and plumbing company serving Northern Virginia. We’re here to help you with all your heating and cooling needs. Call us at 571-350-3183 or book service online.