Where and how many carbon monoxide detectors do I need?
“CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom.” However, the CPSC does not recommend the placement of carbon monoxide detectors in the attic of a home.
How many carbon monoxide detectors are needed in a house?
As mentioned, the CPSC recommends at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of a home, outside sleeping areas.
Does carbon monoxide rise or stay low to the ground?
Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air, some recommend that you place it on the ceiling or at least 5 feet from the floor. However, some studies show carbon monoxide doesn’t settle at the floor, float in the middle, or rise to the top; rather, it disperses at an equal concentration throughout the room.
What rooms need carbon monoxide detectors?
The NFPA recommends that you install a carbon monoxide alarm, like smoke alarms, on every level of your home, inside every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
Should carbon monoxide detector be upstairs or downstairs?
Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance.
Can you put a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen?
Ideally, you should have carbon monoxide detectors placed throughout your home, as you do smoke alarms. You should place a CO detector in each major area of your home: in the kitchen, in your living/dining room, in your bedrooms, and the office.
Do you need a carbon monoxide detector if your house is all electric?
If you have any fuel burning appliances or an attached garage, then yes you need carbon monoxide detectors installed in your house. Many “all electric” homes have wood burning fireplaces.
Where should a carbon monoxide detector be placed in a bedroom?
Five feet from the ground. Carbon monoxide detectors can get the best reading of your home’s air when they are placed five feet from the ground. Near every sleeping area. If your CO levels get too high during the nighttime, it’s important that detectors can be heard by everyone sleeping in your home.
Can carbon monoxide detectors be placed low?
Why carbon monoxide (CO) alarms don’t need to be installed near the floor. There’s a myth that carbon monoxide alarms should be installed lower on the wall because carbon monoxide is heavier than air. In fact, carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and diffuses evenly throughout the room.
Does carbon monoxide float or sink?
There are three things that make carbon monoxide extremely dangerous: 1) The molecules of carbon monoxide are so small, they can easily travel through drywall; 2) Carbon monoxide doesn’t sink or rise – it mixes easily with the air inside a home; 3) It is an odorless gas, so without an alarm to notify you that it is in …
Can a refrigerator set off a carbon monoxide detector?
Carbon monoxide detector triggers might occur from any of these places and activities: Malfunctioning gas appliances – Any gas appliance can emit CO if it’s not getting the correct gas to air ratio. If it’s yellow, the appliance needs adjustment.
Should a carbon monoxide detector be in a furnace room?
A CO detector should not be directly installed inside the furnace room as per most manufacturers’ instructions because there will be small traces of carbon monoxide present near all heating appliances.
Do we need a carbon monoxide detector in our home?
They should be installed specifically outside of each sleeping area in a house (there could be multiple areas), on each level of the house and in the basement also. You may only need one carbon monoxide detector in your house, but you could need several detectors depending on the layout of your home.
Where to place your carbon monoxide alarms?
Five Feet From the Ground. Carbon Monoxide is lighter than breathable air,so if there is CO in the air,it will rise while our regular breathing air will be
Where should a carbon detector be located?
The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommend a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage. Each detector should be replaced every five to six years.
Where to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms?
Outside every sleeping area