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

Where To Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors In Your Philadelphia House

Residents must protect against a variety of risks like fire, burglary, and flooding. But what about a risk that you can’t see or smell? Carbon monoxide presents an uncommon challenge because you might never be aware that it’s there. Despite that, using CO detectors can easily protect your family and property. Explore more about this potentially lethal gas and where to place carbon monoxide detectors in your Philadelphia property.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Referred to as the silent killer as of a result of its absence of color, taste, or odor, carbon monoxide is a readily found gas produced by incomplete fuel combustion. Any fuel-utilizing appliance like a furnace or fireplace may generate carbon monoxide. Although you typically won’t have problems, complications can present when equipment is not frequently inspected or adequately vented. These mistakes may result in an accumulation of this potentially deadly gas in your interior. Generators and heaters of various types are the most consistent reasons for CO poisoning.

When subjected to minute levels of CO, you may experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue nausea, or vomiting. Continuous exposure to elevated levels can cause cardiopulmonary arrest, and potentially death.

Recommendations For Where To Place Philadelphia Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your home is without a carbon monoxide detector, purchase one now. If possible, you should install one on each floor of your home, and that includes basements. Here are some suggestions on where to place carbon monoxide detectors in Philadelphia:

  • Place them on each floor, especially in places where you utilize fuel-burning appliances, such as fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers.
  • You should always install one no more than 10 feet away from bedroom areas. If you only get one CO detector, this is where to put it.
  • Place them approximately 10 to 20 feet from sources of CO.
  • Do not position them right above or next to fuel-consuming appliances, as a non-threatening amount of carbon monoxide may be emitted when they kick on and prompt a false alarm.
  • Secure them to walls at least five feet off the floor so they will measure air where inhabitants are breathing it.
  • Avoid using them beside windows or doors and in dead-air areas.
  • Install one in spaces above garages.

Check your CO detectors regularly and maintain them according to manufacturer instructions. You will usually have to replace units in six years or less. You should also ensure any fuel-burning appliances are in in good working shape and adequately vented.