Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most hazardous gases found in the home. Known as the “silent killer,” CO gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating, yet it can result in unconsciousness, brain damage or death. Consequently, more than 400 people die of accidental carbon monoxide exposure 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 count on heating appliances to stay warm. This is when the risk of carbon monoxide exposure is highest. The good news is you can protect your family from carbon monoxide in several ways. One of the most effective methods is to install CO detectors throughout your home. Use this guide to help you understand where carbon monoxide can appear from and how to make the most of your CO alarms.
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. As a result, this gas can appear when a fuel source burns, including natural gas, propane, oil, charcoal, gasoline, woo, and more. Common causes of carbon monoxide in a house include:
No, smoke detectors do not detect carbon monoxide. Alternatively, they sound an alarm when they sense a certain level of smoke generated by a fire. Having reliable smoke detectors reduces the risk of dying in a house fire by around 55 percent.
Smoke detectors come in two primary forms—ionization detectors and photoelectric detectors. Ionization detection functions well with fast-moving fires that emit large flames, while photoelectric detection is more effective with smoldering, smoky fires. Some newer smoke detectors come with both types of alarms in a single unit to increase the chance of sensing a fire, no matter how it burns.
Clearly, smoke detectors and CO alarms are similarly important home safety devices. If you check the ceiling and notice an alarm of some kind, you may not realize 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 require is dependent on your home’s size, the number of stories and bedroom arrangement. Follow these guidelines to ensure thorough coverage:
Depending on the model, the manufacturer may encourage 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 detector. Read the instruction manual for directions specific to your unit, knowing that testing follows this general procedure:
Change the batteries if the unit won’t work as expected during the test. If replacement batteries don’t make a difference, replace the detector immediately.
You only have to reset your unit when 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 will note which function applies.
Follow these steps to reset your CO detector manually:
If you don’t hear a beep or see a flash, start the reset again or replace the batteries. If it’s still not working, troubleshoot your carbon monoxide alarm with support from the manufacturer, or get rid of the faulty detector.
Follow these steps to protect your home and family:
With the appropriate precautions, there’s no need to fear carbon monoxide exposure in your home. In addition to installing CO alarms, it’s worthwhile to maintain your fuel-burning appliances, especially as winter gets underway.
The team at Falso 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 possible carbon monoxide leak— like excessive soot, rusted flue pipes and a yellow, flickering burner flame—along with the necessary repairs to prevent them.
Do you still have questions or concerns about CO exposure? Is it time to schedule annual heating services? Contact Falso Service Experts for more information.
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