Detect Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (known by the chemical abbreviation CO) is often referred to as a “silent killer.” This toxic gas is produced by malfunctioning fuel-burning devices or by other common household appliances. It has no smell and can’t be seen with the naked eye but is fatal to humans in relatively small doses. Even when it isn’t fatal, it can cause lasting health effects in the vascular and pulmonary systems. By making yourself aware of the causes and warning signs, purchasing and correctly installing CO detectors, and remaining diligent about monitoring, you can prevent harmful CO accumulation in your home.

Steps

Installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. Purchase detectors. You can buy a CO detector at any home improvement store or major retailer. They vary greatly in price but cost as little as $15.
2. Consider optional features. There are a number of features you should consider when making your purchase.
   • A CO detector should be able to emit at least an 85-decibel sound that can be heard within 10 feet. If you or someone in your house has hearing problems, you may want one that has a louder horn.
   • Some detectors come in sets and can be connected with each other. When one goes off, the others will as well. This is ideal for a larger domicile.
   • Check the lifespan of the sensor as they can wear away. Your unit’s sensor filament should last at least five years.
   • Some detectors offer a digital display that will give you an exact readout of the CO measured in the air. This feature is not necessary but may help you detect harmful accumulations more quickly.
3. Find the right spots. For a small apartment, you can use only a single detector but if you have more than 3 rooms, you’ll want multiple detectors. You’ll want to place them strategically in areas where CO accumulates.
   • CO is lighter than air so it will rise toward the ceiling. Place the detectors on the wall as close to the ceiling as possible.
   • If your home has multiple stories, you should have at least one on each level. Place one detector near each sleeping area.
   • Don’t place them in the kitchen, garage, or near a fireplace. These rooms will experience short-term spikes in CO that aren’t harmful and will set the alarms off unnecessarily.
4. Understand the display and sound settings. The display and sound settings vary greater from brand to brand and model to model so you will need read the manual thoroughly. Most digital displays will provide a number that tells you the amount of CO in Parts-per Million (PPM) and some include a timer to specify the length of the testing time. Many will include a volume adjuster, a backlighting option, and auto power-off feature.
5. Install the detectors. The unit should come with instructions to install. Make sure you have the necessary tools while you are out shopping for the detector so you don’t need to make multiple trips.
   • Make sure you have a sturdy ladder to place them up high on the wall.
   • You’ll probably also need a power drill. The screws will likely come with the unit.
6. Replace the batteries. Some units are hardwired or plugged in but most run on batteries. The unit should emit a noise when the batteries are low. Make sure you also have at least one spare pack of the necessary battery type at all times.

Knowing the Warning Signs Without a Detector

1. Recognize the health symptoms. CO poisoning comes with severe health risks and can even be fatal. The symptoms of CO poisoning are difficult to distinguish from a host of other ailments but there are signs to look out for.
   • The main symptoms are headache, muscle weakness, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness.
   • If you’re noticing all of these symptoms at once, get into fresh air immediately and then seek medical attention.
2. Look for humidity and dew buildup. If you notice water condensation gathering on table tops or on the inside of window panes, this may be a sign of CO accumulation. Indoor humidity can be caused by a host of different causes so don’t panic if you notice it. However, it should put you on alert if you notice medical symptoms or see other signs of accumulation.
3. Notice pilot lights that go out frequently. If the pilot light in your water heater or gas stove is going out frequently, flickering, or otherwise emitting a strange flame, this can be a sign of CO accumulation in the air. It could also be a sign of a faulty pilot light so don’t panic unless you’re also noticing health symptoms. Either way, contact a plumber or electrician to inspect it more closely.
4. Look for fuel-burning engines indoors. Cars, power generators, or anything else with a motor that burns oil will emit large amounts of CO. Always run a generator outdoors. Do not run your car’s engine in a garage with the door closed or you will experience serious and potentially fatal poisoning within minutes.
   • If you are feeling the symptoms of CO poisoning and find a running engine, get fresh air and then seek medical attention.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Accumulation

1. Keep your vents clear. Carbon monoxide can accumulate when the ventilation in your house isn’t working properly. Look for air conditioning vents and check for dust and other debris building up in the cracks.
   • You don’t need to clean the vents unless you see noticeable accumulation of debris. At least once a year, remove the vent cover and look for any kind of large debris blockage behind the vent.
   • When you do clean them, remove the vent cover with a screw driver. Put the vent cover under some running water to remove dust and then wipe it down with a paper towel. Dry it with another paper towel before placing it back on the vent.
2. Clean your fireplace and chimney. Clogged chimneys are one of the primary causes of CO accumulation. Even if you only use your fireplace once or twice a year, you’ll need to get the chimney cleaned once per year. If you use your fireplace at least once a week, have it cleaned every 4 months.
   • You won’t be able to adequately clean a chimney without the proper tools. Unless you own an extended scrubber and know how to use it, hire a professional.
   • It’s also a good idea to remove noticeable soot from the fireplace itself to prevent CO accumulation. Use a heavy-duty cleaner like ammonia to spray down the inside of the fireplace and then scrub it with an abrasive scrubber. If you’re using a corrosive chemical, purchase a surgical mask to wear while you’re cleaning.
3. Check cooking hardware. Cooking devices, especially ovens, can also emit CO. If you use it regularly, check your oven for soot buildup at least every other week and clean it with ammonia and an abrasive scrubber when it’s dirty.
   • If you notice that soot is building up easily, you may want to have an electrician look at the oven.
   • Smaller devices like toaster ovens can also emit harmful amounts of CO. Check for soot around the heating filament and clean it if necessary.
4. Smoke outdoors. If you are a tobacco smoker, smoke outside. Continuous and prolonged smoking indoors, combined with poor ventilation or other risk factors, can lead to a serious CO accumulation.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Freshen the Air in Your House While Vacuuming
• Use Mothballs
• Kick Down a Door
• Break Into Your House
• Get Rid of Dog Urine Smell
• Prevent Residential Burglary
• Remove Musty Odors
• Tell if Someone Is in Your House
• Remove the Smell of Burnt Food from Your Home
• Burglarproof Your Doors

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• Install a Smoke Detector or Carbon Monoxide Detector