Updated August 15, 2023
Carbon monoxide detectors are a vital defense against potential gas leaks in the home. Most furnaces today are gas-based, which means you’re more likely to experience leaks when the home is tightly sealed against the winter chill. Learning where to place your carbon monoxide detectors will protect your family against potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Importance of CO Detectors
Gas furnaces are designed to safely contain any natural gas released during the heating process. The system’s heat exchanger holds the gas along with other byproducts until it’s pushed through the flue and out of the home. A regularly maintained furnace will have no issue keeping your household safe. However, carbon monoxide leaks can often start small and essentially unnoticeable, making it harder to identify them before they worsen.
Any fuel-burning appliance or device in your home has the potential to leak carbon monoxide. That’s why installing carbon monoxide detectors is so essential to your safety.
Furnace Placement
To effectively monitor your furnace, you should install a carbon monoxide detector about 15 to 20 feet away. This general rule applies to all combustion appliances like stoves and water heaters. Placing one of these detectors too close to the furnace increases your chances of a false alarm. Every time your furnace starts a heating cycle, it releases a finite amount of carbon monoxide into the air.
This gas quickly disperses, causing no harm to your home or household. Unfortunately, your carbon monoxide detector will register this as a gas leak and sound the alarm. These detectors slowly lose integrity the more they’re used, which could lead to them not notifying you of an actual leak. You also don’t want to get used to the sound of your alarm going off and ignore it when it may be an emergency.
Carbon monoxide detectors are best installed on or near the ceiling. This helps to minimize potential external damage and further lowers the chance of a false alarm. Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air, and the gas coming from your furnace will be warm. Carbon monoxide often diffuses into a room, but the weight difference and temperature will make it rise first.
While plug-in detectors can be a convenient way to protect a small or unconventional space, they’re often not high enough off the floor. Ensure all of your carbon monoxide detectors are at least five feet up the wall. These modern devices come with screens that can helpfully read the gas levels in a room.
Other tips for carbon monoxide detectors include having at least one on every floor and near each sleeping area. It’s also a good idea to have one in your garage. You should check your carbon monoxide detectors as often as you check your fire alarms. These devices should be replaced every five to seven years or sooner if damaged.
Minimizing Gas Leaks
Winter can be a particularly dangerous time for households when furnace use is high and the home is completely sealed. Lower your risk of gas leaks by trusting professionals to maintain your furnace during the year. Routine maintenance is a cost-effective way to lengthen your heating system’s lifespan and increase its safety. If you notice an odd smell or a strange flame color, immediately call an expert to check it out. Waiting too long to correct internal damage skyrockets your costs and puts your home at risk.
Make sure you’re using the correct filters and changing them out appropriately. Most residential filters need to be replaced every one to three months depending on the material. A dirty, clogged HVAC filter puts severe strain on your furnace and can become a fire hazard.
Top HVAC Services In Whittier
Contact Spot On Heating, Air & Plumbing when you need the highest quality heating and cooling services in Whittier, CA. Our licensed technicians are skilled at finding solutions to all your indoor comfort problems. We pride ourselves on being dependable, affordable and customer-oriented. We’re committed to providing 100% satisfaction to each one of our customers.
Count on us to repair, replace and maintain your home’s heating and cooling systems. We carry the best models on the market and can professionally install a variety of top-notch brands. Our experienced team is ready to service your heat pump, replace your thermostat and check your indoor air quality. You can also rely on us for plumbing services like drain cleanings and sewer repairs. Schedule your appointment in Whittier today.