CO Detectors: O’er the Walls We Watch

Imagine having had a nasty brush with a light to moderate case of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The experience may have given you an epiphany about installing CO detectors at home for better forewarning in case of another emergency in the future. However, these devices are only as effective as how they are set up—there are effective ways to put CO detectors in your home for maximum coverage.

According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, at least one CO detector should be installed at every floor of the house, but where exactly on the floor is the question. For instance, the detector should be active in your bedroom, where the loud alarm can rouse you while sleeping. Some experts suggest within ten feet of the door, which can give you enough time to scramble fast. Bathrooms are off-limits to CO detectors.

If a CO detector is to be set up in the kitchen, the device cannot be within 15 feet of any heat-operative appliances such as gas stoves. A detector should also be set up in the garage, as many homeowners tend to run their cars on idle for long periods of time, leading to a CO buildup.