Where Should I Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

There are some general guidelines to follow when deciding where to install a carbon monoxide detector. In most cases, there should be at least one CO detector on each floor of a building. Some common places to install the devices include near sleeping areas and near attached garages.

A carbon monoxide detector should be installed in a location roughly five feet off the ground. This will allow the device to obtain the most accurate reading of the air quality inside the building. The device should be tested regularly to ensure that it is in proper working order. From there, some areas of the building will benefit more from carbon monoxide detection than others.

A great place to install a carbon monoxide detector is near a sleeping area. Most deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning occur when a person is asleep. By placing a carbon monoxide detector inside or near a person's bedroom, they are more likely to wake up in time in the event of a carbon monoxide outbreak.

Another excellent location for a carbon monoxide detector is in a room adjacent to an attached garage. Car fumes are a direct source of carbon monoxide. If a build-up of carbon monoxide were to occur in the garage, it could easily spread to the rest of the building. By placing a carbon monoxide detector in a room next to a garage, you will be able to detect the outbreak as quickly as possible.

There are also some places where you should not install a carbon monoxide detector. Avoiding these locations will make false alarms less likely to occur. For instance, you should refrain from placing a CO detector near any fuel-burning appliances or near any fans or vents. Carbon monoxide detectors should also not be placed in any areas that receive direct sunlight. Bathrooms are also poor locations for carbon monoxide detectors due to their high humidity.