Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Many people do not understand what carbon monoxide is and why they need CO detectors.  In this hub I intend on helping those who don't know and maybe those who want to know a little more.

Carbon Monoxide has no color and it can't be smelt.  That is why things are so scary about this gas.  Before you ever realize the gas is there it can be devastating to you and your family.  The thing with CO is even in low concentrations you can suffer from severe health issues.

The reason CO is so dangerous is because it accumulates in your blood very quickly.  by doing this it stops the blood from being able to carry oxygen.

Simply put this is why it is so important to have Carbon Monoxide Detectors installed in your home.

The best thing you can do besides using Carbon Monoxide Detectors is learning how you can stay ahead and make sure you never allow Carbon Monoxide into your home. Below you will be able to study a list that you should become very familiar with.

1. Make sure you get all your clean fuel burning appliances checked by someone that is qualified. It is very important to do this before the weather gets cold in your area. This will help make sure you know the appliances are working the way they should be.

2. Now you need another expert. This one will be checking stuff like chimneys, vents and any where cracking might take place. They will also be looking for things like twigs, nests or anything that might make a blockage. They can also check fireplaces or flues for any thing that may be wrong.

3. If you need to enclose any of your appliances that produce CO you need to make sure you talk to an expert to make sure you have the proper ventilation.

4. Have someone check your kitchen exhaust fan to make sure there is no way any fumes can be pulled back into the house.

5. A big no-no is using propane or natural gas stoves to heat your homes. Also never use bar b ques in the house or garage.

6. Never starting a vehicle in a closed garage should be a no brainer but it seems if people aren't told they will still do it. Open the door, start the car and pull it out and onto the drive way. Then you want to make sure you close the garage doors to make sure the exhaust doesnt get blown into the house. Never use an auto car starter, even if the big doors are open in the garage.

7. It is a good idea to not use kerosene heaters inside a house or garage. If for some reason you really have to then make sure you have a window open for ventilation. Also make sure you refuel outside only after the heater has cooled down.

When you buy a detector in most cases the manufacturer will tell you where you should put the detector.  A good rule of thumb for your Carbon Monoxide Detectors is putting them someplace you will hear them while you are sleeping.  CO is the same weight as air and falls evenly in a room so height isn't a big factor.  Hearing is a huge factor.  It is also okay to have several detectors installed around the house.  Below is a list of places not to install your detector because damage could occur.

Places like cold basements, attics or garages.

If places are high in humidity avoid placing detectors there.

Make sure the placement doesn't involve being in places with solvents, cleaners.  This also includes hair sprays and deodorants

Keep them away from chimneys and vents.

Always keep the carbon monoxide detectors at least 6 feet away from any heating or cooking appliances.  Also keep away from forced air ventilation.

High traffic areas are not good either because of the potential for damage.

lastly they should never be placed in areas they are exposed to the weather.

Almost all detectors have a test button and it should be used at least once a week.  This will confirm that the device is still operating.  The next thing you can do is hold something like a cigarette about 8 inches away and see what the digital display does.  You should see it move up.  A cigarette will likely not be enough to set off the alarm but it will tell you if the detector is functioning.

You can actually buy kits that will give off enough CO to set your detector into alarm.  This test isn't really necessary because if you test the alarm and see the display move up you can be assured the detector will work.

At the end of the day its all about you taking care of yourself and your family.  You can ignore the fact that CO kills 1000s of people each year or you can make sure you do not become a statistic and make sure you give your family all the safety you can.