ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Amarillo & Surrounding Areas
Carbon monoxide detector attached to wall of home
January 08, 2024

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Amarillo Residence

Property owners must protect against various risks like burglary, fire, and flooding. But what about something that can’t be perceived by human senses? Carbon monoxide is different from other dangers because you might never be aware that it’s there. Nevertheless, using CO detectors can easily safeguard your loved ones and property. Find out more about this dangerous gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Amarillo home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Called the silent killer due to its absence of color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide is a common gas caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Any fuel-burning appliance like an oven or furnace may generate carbon monoxide. Although you usually won’t have problems, issues can arise when equipment is not frequently serviced or adequately vented. These oversights can lead to an accumulation of this dangerous gas in your residence. Generators and heaters of various types are commonly to blame for CO poisoning.

When subjected to lower levels of CO, you may notice dizziness, headaches, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Prolonged exposure to higher amounts may lead to cardiorespiratory arrest, and potentially death.

Recommendations For Where To Place Amarillo Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home lacks a carbon monoxide detector, buy one now. Ideally, you should use one on each floor of your home, and that includes basements. Here are a few suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Amarillo:

  • Install them on each floor, particularly in areas where you use fuel-burning appliances, like water heaters, furnaces, gas dryers, and fireplaces.
  • You should always use one within 10 feet of sleeping areas. If you only get one carbon monoxide detector, this is the place for it.
  • Place them about 10 to 20 feet away from potential CO sources.
  • Avoid placing them directly next to or above fuel-consuming appliances, as a non-threatening amount of carbon monoxide might be emitted when they kick on and trigger a false alarm.
  • Attach them to walls approximately five feet from the ground so they will test air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid installing them in dead-air areas and near doors or windows.
  • Put one in rooms above attached garages.

Check your CO detectors often and maintain them according to manufacturer recommendations. You will typically need to replace units within five or six years. You should also make certain any fuel-burning appliances are in in good working shape and have adequate ventilation.