Areas To Consider While Adding Carbon Monoxide Sensors
It is an odorless, colorless as well as tasteless kind of gas that is sometimes called the silent killer. Generally, Carbon monoxide is produced in normal biological functions, particularly in small quantities in the normal metabolism of animals. However, too much inhalation of this gas becomes toxic to both animals and humans.
That is the reason why carbon monoxide is also known as the silent killer. It is a lethal gas that has a high volume presence in our houses. That is the reason why most households now use a device called the carbon monoxide detector. Most people suggest that this device be plugged in the nearest power source like a wall socket near the floor level, while other people think otherwise. Because of these conflicting ideas, ineffective mounting and installing of a detector is one of the most common mistakes people tend to make.
The chemical properties of this gas are slightly lighter than air. This means that CO generally collects from the top down of a room in a stable environment. This is the first clue in determining where to mount the detector. Instead of installing it at the ground level, it is best that it be installed in the same way a smoke detector would be located, high up in the ceiling.
Another important installation advice is that it should be kept away from bathrooms or laundry rooms, or any area of the house where there is a high concentration of humidity. The reason for this is because humidity interferes with the device's internal mechanisms which might cause some damage.
An improper reading might also happen if the detector is installed near gas-powered appliances like gas stoves or gas ovens because the minimal gases that are emitted from these appliances might most likely give out a false positive alarm. Thus, it is advisable that the detector is installed at a distance of at least ten to twelve feet from these appliances.
The garage is also one of the places where a false positive alarm is most likely to happen. This is brought about by the vehicles parked inside and sometimes, by the laundry appliances that are used and stored there. In addition to these, the cold temperatures prevent the detector from giving out a proper CO reading. This mostly happens in areas of the country with extended cold temperatures.
If your home is a multi-story home, it is advisable that a detector is placed in all levels. In either case, there should at least be more than one detector installed in a household. In the event that one device breaks down, there will still be other devices that can track the CO levels. Always remember to install one in the basement as well, and mount them near sleeping areas of the house such as bedrooms, lounges, and family rooms.
In short, think long and hard where to install your CO detectors. Generally they should be in areas where people sleep like in bedrooms, family rooms, or lounges because these are the areas where CO concentration is most likely to be high. By being careful, you are protecting both your family and your home from the harmful effects of this gas.
That is the reason why carbon monoxide is also known as the silent killer. It is a lethal gas that has a high volume presence in our houses. That is the reason why most households now use a device called the carbon monoxide detector. Most people suggest that this device be plugged in the nearest power source like a wall socket near the floor level, while other people think otherwise. Because of these conflicting ideas, ineffective mounting and installing of a detector is one of the most common mistakes people tend to make.
The chemical properties of this gas are slightly lighter than air. This means that CO generally collects from the top down of a room in a stable environment. This is the first clue in determining where to mount the detector. Instead of installing it at the ground level, it is best that it be installed in the same way a smoke detector would be located, high up in the ceiling.
Another important installation advice is that it should be kept away from bathrooms or laundry rooms, or any area of the house where there is a high concentration of humidity. The reason for this is because humidity interferes with the device's internal mechanisms which might cause some damage.
An improper reading might also happen if the detector is installed near gas-powered appliances like gas stoves or gas ovens because the minimal gases that are emitted from these appliances might most likely give out a false positive alarm. Thus, it is advisable that the detector is installed at a distance of at least ten to twelve feet from these appliances.
The garage is also one of the places where a false positive alarm is most likely to happen. This is brought about by the vehicles parked inside and sometimes, by the laundry appliances that are used and stored there. In addition to these, the cold temperatures prevent the detector from giving out a proper CO reading. This mostly happens in areas of the country with extended cold temperatures.
If your home is a multi-story home, it is advisable that a detector is placed in all levels. In either case, there should at least be more than one detector installed in a household. In the event that one device breaks down, there will still be other devices that can track the CO levels. Always remember to install one in the basement as well, and mount them near sleeping areas of the house such as bedrooms, lounges, and family rooms.
In short, think long and hard where to install your CO detectors. Generally they should be in areas where people sleep like in bedrooms, family rooms, or lounges because these are the areas where CO concentration is most likely to be high. By being careful, you are protecting both your family and your home from the harmful effects of this gas.
