Proper Placement of Carbon Monoxide Alarms
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20,000 people visit the emergency room because of carbon monoxide poisoning and over 400 people die each year. Learn where to put your carbon monoxide detector so that it will best protect your family. Does this Spark an idea?
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Placement of an Alarm
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Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion in home appliances, such as gas water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and stoves, and it becomes a problem when it builds up inside the home instead of being properly vented to the outside. The best place for an alarm is toward the top of a wall or on the ceiling. Be aware, though, that manufacturers may have installation guidelines specific to the brand. Always read the instructions that come with the alarm.
How Many Alarms Do You Need?
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Because carbon monoxide can build up over time in poorly circulating air, it is recommended that you buy a carbon monoxide alarm for each level of the house. In addition, if you have any concerns about particular ventilation areas or appliances, you may to buy additional alarms to monitor the air around that area. If you decide to put the alarm on only one level, choose the one where the bedrooms are located, because the most dangerous time to be exposed to carbon monoxide is when you are sleeping.
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Where Not to Place the Alarm
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Although you may want to monitor particular appliances, be sure to keep the alarm away from open flames and well away from fireplaces because these may set off the alarm unnecessarily.
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