ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Tampa, Brandon, & Tampa Metro
Carbon monoxide detector attached to wall of home
January 08, 2024

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Tampa Home

Property owners must protect against numerous risks like burglary, flooding, and fire. But what about something that you aren’t able to see or smell? Carbon monoxide is different from other dangers as you may never know it’s there. Nevertheless, using CO detectors can effectively protect your family and property. Explore more about this hazardous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Tampa residence.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Known as the silent killer as of a result of its absence of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-burning appliance like an oven or fireplace may generate carbon monoxide. Even though you typically won’t have any trouble, complications can arise when appliances are not frequently serviced or properly vented. These mistakes can cause a build-up of this potentially deadly gas in your interior. Generators and heaters of various types are the most consistent causes for CO poisoning.

When subjected to lower concentrations of CO, you could notice dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Extended exposure to high concentrations could lead to cardiopulmonary arrest, coma, and death.

Suggestions For Where To Place Tampa Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, get one today. If possible, you ought to have one on every level of your home, including basements. Browse these tips on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Tampa:

  • Put them on each level, particularly in areas where you have fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and gas dryers.
  • You ought to always install one within 10 feet of sleeping areas. If you only have one carbon monoxide detector, this is the place for it.
  • Position them at least 10 to 20 feet away from sources of CO.
  • Avoid placing them immediately next to or above fuel-burning appliances, as a small degree of carbon monoxide might be emitted when they kick on and trigger a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls at least five feet off the floor so they may sample air where people are breathing it.
  • Avoid putting them in dead-air areas and beside windows or doors.
  • Put one in rooms above garages.

Test your CO detectors regularly and maintain them in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. You will generally have to replace them every five to six years. You should also make sure any fuel-utilizing appliances are in in optimal working shape and have proper ventilation.