Indoor Air Quality, Carbon Monoxide Detectors
How Many Carbon Monoxide Detectors Do I Need?
It is strongly recommended that all homes have functioning carbon monoxide detectors to notify you when there is an unsafe level of carbon monoxide in the air. But how many carbon monoxide detectors do I need? Dive into our guide on carbon monoxide detectors to learn more.
Do I Need A Carbon Monoxide Detector?
It is strongly recommended for all occupied homes to have carbon monoxide detectors installed.
It is especially important for homes with equipment like furnaces, stoves, generators, and gas water heaters to install carbon monoxide detectors to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Help prevent a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide in your home by following these steps:
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to alert you of a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide
- Keep areas around fuel-burning devices clear to ensure air movement and ventilation
- Conduct regular cleaning and maintenance of your fuel-burning devices
- Have your HVAC system and any other gas-, oil-, or coal-burning equipment serviced by a qualified technician on a regular basis
- Do not burn anything in a fireplace with a closed damper
- Do not heat your home with a gas stove
- Do not use generators, charcoal grills, or other fuel-burning devices inside a closed space like a garage, basement, or elsewhere inside your home
- Do not run a car inside a garage that is attached to your home, even if the garage door is open
How Many Carbon Monoxide Detectors Do I Need?
How may carbon monoxide detectors you need depends on your home's layout. It is recommended to put a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. This ensures that if carbon monoxide levels rise on any level, the detector will sound the alarm. For example, if you have an upstairs, downstairs, and basement, it is recommended to have three carbon monoxide detectors, or one on each story. Additionally, it is recommended to put a carbon monoxide detector inside or near each bedroom. Ideally, the carbon monoxide detector is installed inside each bedroom if you have a gas or propane furnace. An alternative option is to install carbon monoxide detectors close to bedrooms so the alarm can be clearly heard in all sleeping areas. It is recommended to install a CO detector near attached garages as well, as garages can be common causes of carbon monoxide from vehicle emissions and gas-powered equipment such as lawn mowers or tools that can produce CO when operated. In addition, place a CO detector near any fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, or gas stoves. However, keep them at least 15 feet away from these appliances to avoid false alarms from small emissions. Learn more about the best carbon monoxide detector placement.
Maintaining Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Once you install your carbon monoxide detector, follow these steps to make sure it works and provides the best protection possible:
- Ensure the detector is between 15-20 feet away from a source of carbon monoxide, like a fireplace or furnace, because low levels of carbon monoxide present nearby may trigger the alarm unnecessarily
- Ensure nothing is covering or blocking the detector
- Ensure the detector is not near a window or door
- Test the detector on a regular basis
- Vacuum the detector monthly to remove dust and dirt that may clog the sensor. Be sure not to clean with any chemicals or solvents as that can damage the sensor.
Connect With Your Carrier Dealer To Learn More About Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Any outstanding questions on how many carbon monoxide detectors you need? Your local Carrier dealer can help. In addition to their expertise, many offer Carrier's carbon monoxide alarm designed to alert you when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present inside your home. Schedule an appointment with a Carrier dealer today for all of your indoor air quality needs.
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