As it’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, it’s the perfect time to tell our customer all about how to install their alarms!
What is a CO2 alarm?
Simply put, it’s like a smoke alarm, but for the potentially deadly Carbon Monoxide instead of smoke. THESE DO NOT REPLACE SMOKE ALARMS!
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO2) poses an invisible threat. It's a gas that is both colourless & odorless. It’s produced by any fuel-burning appliance or fixture — such as a boiler, water heater or fireplace. CO2 can build up in the home from malfunctions or poor ventilation in those devices. It can also accumulate if the home is improperly ventilated for the exchange of inside and outside air. Running a vehicle in an attached garage can also allow carbon monoxide to enter the home. Carbon Monoxide when inhaled creates a toxic compound in your body. If you suspect inhalation or a leak, open all windows and doors, get fresh air in you lungs, do not light an open flame and call the emergency services immediately. If you need your appliances replaced of fixed, call us!
Where to install the CO2 alarm:
1) Every Floor of your Home
If your home has several levels (including basements used attics), then you will need detectors on each level as the gas can often be trapped within a single level and you wouldn’t know it without an alarm on that floor.
2) Near Bedrooms
You want the alarm to wake you at night, just as you would a smoke alarm, so keep it nearby where you and your family sleep. If bedrooms are more than 30 feet apart you will need more than one detector.
3) Homes with attached Garages
If you have an enclosed garage directly attached to the house, then you should also place a CO2 detector within 10 feet of the internal door to your garage. You should also place a detector in any room situated directly above your garage.
You should mount your detectors securely on the walls at least a couple of feet below the height of the ceiling. If your detector has a digital read-out, then it would make sense to install it where you can read the display.
5) Locations to avoid
Keep your CO2 alarm away from:
These alarms are so easy to fit and cheap to buy. They could save lives. If you’d like us to supply & fit one for you, please contact us now!