Carbon Monoxide Detector Tips | Don't Let CO be Your Silent Killer 

It is once again the fall season, and with the change in seasons comes the impending news reports of someone dying of carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. If only they had installed a carbon monoxide detector in their home. Carbon Monoxide is known as the silent killer since it exhibits no smell or taste in the air. Most people don't know they are suffering from the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning until it it too late. It is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

How is CO Produced?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced as a by-product of combustion of anything that burns fuel. This could be gas furnaces, barbecue grills, water heaters, fireplaces (wood & gas burning), stoves, automobiles, etc. CO poisoning mimics flu-like symptoms, thereby disguising the seriousness of the problem.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide in the Home

• Do not run an automobile in the attached garage for an extended time. If you need to warm your car up, back it out after starting and then allow to warm up.
• Ensure that the flue is open when lighting the fireplace.
• In case of power outage, do not use generators inside the home. Keep the generator away from windows, doors, or any vent openings which may allow the CO to enter the home.
• Check the pilot lights on natural gas appliances such as the hot water heater. The flame should appear blue. If it is yellow, then the appliance is likely producing CO.
• Have your heating system checked at least once a year by a professional to ensure that there are no leaks that may cause an issue.
• Never use barbecue grills our outdoor appliances indoors.

How Many CO detectors does your home need?

The recommendation of the National Fire Protection Association is that you should install a CO detector outside each sleeping area and on each level of the home. Ensure that the carbon monoxide detectors are plugged in all the way. If they are the battery operated kind, make sure that you replace the batteries at least once per year. For the ultimate in protection, install carbon monoxide detectors inside each bedroom for an earlier warning.

It is also to important to note that you should replace your CO detectors at least once every five years. CO alarms are not designed to last forever and will lose their effectiveness over time.

What is the Best Place to Purchase a CO Detector?

There are many places to purchase CO detectors. But what is the best? Amazingly enough, I am going to advise against buying them from your alarm company if you are just needing to make sure that you are out of the house in the case of a CO presence. By the time we purchase our CO detector and pay our techs to install them, you can usually get 2-3 carbon monoxide detectors for the same money at places like Walmart, Lowe's, & Home Depot. Since the CO detectors are primarily for notification of the occupants to get out, and not necessarily to alert the authorities, I would rather see you spend your money on more devices to provide more coverage. When it comes to CO protection, the more devices the better.

If however you are wanting to protect your pets or the elderly while you are away, then the monitored CO detectors are a great option. Just consider these instances when deciding on what protection you are most likely to need.

Why not get your CO detector now? You can order securely through Amazon.com via the links provided below.

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