Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most hazardous gases found in the home. Nicknamed the “silent killer,” CO gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating, yet it can cause unconsciousness, brain damage or death. Because of this, more than 400 people die of accidental carbon monoxide influence each year, a higher fatality rate than any other type of poisoning.
As the weather cools off, you close up your home for the winter and rely on heating appliances to remain warm. This is where the risk of carbon monoxide inhalation is highest. The good news is you can protect your family from carbon monoxide in a variety of ways. One of the most effective methods is to install CO detectors around your home. Use this guide to help you understand where carbon monoxide comes from and how to make the most of your CO alarms.
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. As a result, this gas is generated whenever a fuel source is ignited, like natural gas, propane, oil, charcoal, gasoline, woo, and more. Prevalent causes of carbon monoxide in a house include:
No, smoke detectors do not detect carbon monoxide. Instead, they begin an alarm when they sense a certain amount of smoke caused by a fire. Having dependable smoke detectors reduces the risk of dying in a house fire by nearly 55 percent.
Smoke detectors come in two main forms—ionization detectors and photoelectric detectors. Ionization detection works best with quick-moving fires that emit large flames, while photoelectric detection is more effective with smoldering, smoky fires. Some newer smoke detectors include both types of alarms in a single unit to increase the chance of sensing a fire, no matter how it burns.
Obviously, smoke detectors and CO alarms are similarly important home safety devices. If you check the ceiling and notice an alarm of some kind, you won’t always know whether it’s a smoke detector or a carbon monoxide alarm. The visual difference is based on the brand and model you have. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
The number of CO alarms you need is determined by your home’s size, number of floors and bedroom arrangement. Follow these guidelines to provide thorough coverage:
Depending on the model, the manufacturer may suggest monthly testing and resetting to ensure proper functionality. Also, change out the batteries in battery-powered units every six months. For hardwired units, replace the backup battery once a year or when the alarm starts chirping, whichever comes first. Then, replace the CO detector entirely every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
It only takes a minute to test your CO sensor. Check the instruction manual for directions individual to your unit, knowing that testing follows this general procedure:
Swap out the batteries if the unit fails to perform as expected during the test. If replacement batteries don’t help, replace the detector immediately.
You only need to reset your unit after the alarm goes off, after testing the device or after replacing the batteries. Some models automatically reset themselves within 10 minutes of these events, while others require a manual reset. The instruction manual should note which function applies.
Follow these steps to reset your CO detector manually:
If you don’t hear a beep or see a flash, attempt the reset again or replace the batteries. If it’s still not working, troubleshoot your carbon monoxide alarm with help from the manufacturer, or get rid of the faulty detector.
Listen to these steps to protect your home and family:
With the appropriate precautions, there’s no need to fear carbon monoxide exposure in your home. Along with installing CO alarms, it’s crucial to maintain your fuel-burning appliances, especially as winter starts.
The team at Atmostemp Service Experts is qualified to inspect, clean, diagnose and repair problems with furnaces, boilers, water heaters and other combustion appliances. We know what signs suggest a likely carbon monoxide leak— such as excessive soot, rusted flue pipes and a yellow, flickering burner flame—along with the necessary repairs to avoid them.
Do you still have questions or concerns about CO exposure? Is it time to schedule annual heating services? Contact Atmostemp Service Experts for more information.
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