Is your carbon monoxide detector in the proper location?
Carbon Monoxide Detector
My goal in life is to save your life. Well, maybe not yours, but someone’s life. And hopefully more than one. And one way to achieve this is to ask you a question. So let me ask you something – where is your carbon monoxide detector located? Read a little further and I’ll explain where the detector of this odorless, colorless gas should be.
Since we’re Realtors, we’re in lots of homes. In fact, some months we’re in over 100 homes. And the carbon monoxide detector’s location is one of the things I always look. And the reason I do that is because most of the time they’re not located properly.
And the Proper Location is…
Building code requires the carbon monoxide detectors to be with 10 foot of the bedroom doorways. And many people are aware of this. And if one detector can’t be within 10 foot of all bedrooms, you’ll need to have multiple detectors. This requirement is followed most of the time. Probably because a Certificate of Occupancy inspection forced the seller to install them. As a matter of fact, smoke detectors need to be within the same 10 foot distance. However, the mistake people often make when installing the carbon monoxide detector is in how high off the floor they get placed.
Most people install smoke detectors on the ceiling, because they realize that smoke rises. People also assume that they should install their carbon monoxide detectors on the ceiling, and that’s a mistake. Actually, carbon monoxide is a heavy gas. If carbon monoxide starts to build up, it’ll start at the floor level. Once carbon monoxide reaches a detector on the ceiling, it’s too late. Because you may already be dead.
Combination Smoke and CO Detectors
Some manufacturers make units which detect both smoke and carbon monoxide. If your home has one of these, where wold you place it? On the ceiling to detect smoke? Or would you place it low to detect carbon monoxide? I’ll tell you the proper location for a combination unit. Put it in the garbage because it can’t be located properly.
Bottom Line
As I said at the beginning, my goal is to save your life. Please make certain that your carbon monoxide detectors are located below head level when you are sleeping. If you follow my advice, and your carbon monoxide detector sounds off, possibly saving your life, please give me a call. I’ve received one call, I hope to receive more.
As I said earlier, Bunny and I are Realtors. When you’re ready to either buy or sell a home, please contact us.
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