How and Where to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Home?

Carbon monoxide occurs naturally in homes that have gas-powered appliances or attached garages. Homeowners with kitchens equipped with gas ovens and stoves are at an especially high risk of a dangerous CO leak, but everyone needs CO detectors installed in their homes. Even if everything is working perfectly, a simple leak could be life-threatening.

Before going into smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation for Columbus, Ohio homes, let’s discuss how CO is measured and what safe levels are.

First, carbon monoxide is measured in parts per million (ppm). CO levels of 20 ppm means that for every million molecules in the air, 20 of them are carbon monoxide molecules. Now, this may seem like a very small amount, but the usual range of CO levels in a home are .5 to 5 ppm. Under 70 ppm has no ill effects for most people, but prolonged exposure can cause beginning symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, and even higher concentrations can lead to headaches, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death.

When it comes to carbon monoxide detector installation for your Ohio home, there are important guidelines to follow to avoid the ill effects of carbon monoxide sickness or poisoning. You should also follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when installing a CO or smoke detector in your home.

1. The Height of Installation

The difference between smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation for Columbus, Ohio homes is the height at which the devices are installed. As smoke rises and sets off alarms for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide blends with the air in your home. A CO detector must be installed no higher than 5 feet in order to accurately measure the levels of CO in the air. However, be sure to keep the CO detector out of reach of kids and pets who may tamper with it.

2. How Many and Where to Install

The general guidelines usually dictate that you need at least one CO detector on every level of your house. This includes homes that have basements. Furthermore, homes with attached garages need a carbon monoxide detector installed no more than 10 feet away from the garage. Cars that are stored in garages can emit more carbon monoxide emission that can seep into the home and cause rises in CO levels.

CO detectors should be installed near sleeping areas and have loud alarms in order to wake up homeowners in the event of rising carbon monoxide levels.

3. Maintenance After Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation in Columbus, Ohio

After installing your carbon monoxide detectors, it’s important to perform routine maintenance to ensure they are working properly. This means periodically cleaning them to wipe away any accumulated dust and debris to allow them to accurately measure the CO levels in the home. Additionally, it’s important to test your carbon monoxide detectors after installation. Simply press the “test” button, and it should emit a loud beep to prove that it is functioning. Furthermore, it’s recommended to periodically change the batteries to ensure the alarms are not dead when you need it most. Pick a day in the year and commit to changing the batteries yearly.

When you need an upgraded smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation in your Columbus, Ohio home, contact Interactive Protective Services for technology and security updates in your home. Our expert tech team will help you decide which carbon monoxide detectors are best suited for your house and place them strategically in your home for optimal monitoring. Contact IPS today to get started.

740-483-0823