What's the deal with Carbon Monoxide

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe.

Where should I place a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in my home?

Proper placement of a carbon monoxide (CO) detector is important. If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provides extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

What does the law require?

State Law requires that single family homes have at least one operational CO alarm within 10 feet of every room legally used for sleeping. Basically one in every bedroom.

Important facts to consider.

1. When carbon monoxide detectors were introduced into the market, they had a limited lifespan of 2 years. Now that technology has improved, a CO detector can last between 4-6 years.
2. If you have a CO detector, how old is it?   Is it still protecting you?
3. If you have to think how old your detector is, it’s too old and it’s time for a replacement.
4. The digital models offer the advantage of being able to observe levels that are below the alarm threshold, learn about levels that may have occurred during an absence, and assess the degree of hazard if the alarm sounds.

Keep your family safe during the heating season this year, and sleep with a piece of mind at night that you are protected from this silent and odorless killer. Stay safe, play safe if you are uncertain your CO detector is not running properly, is out of date or you need them placed in your home.  Our first recommendation is to go to your local home repair, store and purchase and install new ones today.  If you would rather have a professional install them please give us a call we would be glad to help.

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