Where Should a Carbon Monoxide Detector Be Located?

Carbon monoxide detectors are important safety devices that should be installed in every home. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that can be released into your home through faulty heating and cooling equipment. It is odorless and undetectable to humans. Without a carbon monoxide detector, you could become sick or die without knowing that you are in harm's way.

Function

The function of a carbon monoxide detector is to alert you to the presence of this odorless, deadly gas in your home.

Types

There are many options when choosing a carbon monoxide detector. It is important that your detectors run on AC power--either plugged in or wired direct--and also have a battery back up.

warning

Some carbon monoxide detectors are combined with smoke and fire alarms. These are not recommended as fire alarms of this kind only utilize one sensor instead of the standard two. Additionally, smoke rises and smoke detectors are best suited on ceilings, but carbon monoxide is a heavy gas. Detectors should be kept low to the ground.

considerations

While some detectors only sound when carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels, others have digital displays that monitor if any of the gas is present in any quantity.

Placement

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on every level of the home. It is best to keep them only a few feet from the floor so that they will sound prior to the gas reaching normal breathing space. As the furnace has the most potential for releasing carbon monoxide, a detector should be located in close proximity.

Additional Tips

In addition to placement near HVAC equipment, early alerts can be increased by placing detectors next to heat registers on the other floors.