What is Carbon Monoxide?
Sometimes referred to as the 'silent killer', carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas that can creep into your living spaces without warning and pose serious health hazards. Common household appliances that burn gas, coal, oil, or wood, including heaters, stove fires, and boilers, can produce carbon monoxide and if unsafe levels are accidentally released it can have dangerous consequences and poison your blood with symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and headaches.
It is simple to safeguard your home by installing a carbon monoxide detector, a device that acts like an alarm and emits a loud beeping noise if unsafe levels of the gas are detected. If you have gas, coal, oil, or wood burning appliances at home and are now wondering where should carbon monoxide detectors be placed, here are some tips on where to place them.
Best Places to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Contrary to popular belief, carbon monoxide doesn't necessarily rise to the ceiling like smoke; it mixes with the air. So although it is best to fit them high up to keep them out of the reach of children and pets, carbon monoxide detectors should not be too close to the ceiling. You should also install detectors at least 1.5 metres off the ground. Make sure the monitor is not blocked by any obstructions like furniture as there needs to be a good airflow so the gas can easily be detected.
In the Same Room as Fuel-Burning Appliances
It's not recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors directly above or too close to a stove, fireplace, or other fuel-burning appliance as it could lead to false alarms, however it's a good idea to place them in the same room to ensure unsafe levels are easily detected.
Near Bedrooms
To ensure you can hear the alarm no matter the time of day or night, you should install a detector near bedrooms to give you enough time to react on hearing the alarm sound.
On Every Level
Ideally a monitor should be placed on each level of your home if you live in a multi-storey building, including in the basement. This way you will be most protected should a leak occur from wherever it is coming from.