Reasons Why Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are So Important

Of all the hazardous materials that may make their way into your home, carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous. It is a poisonous gas produced as a byproduct of burning fuels. The most likely ways that carbon monoxide can build up in your home are leaks in your chimney, dryer vent, or furnace. An electrician in Scarborough can install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to protect you and your family from the potential threat.

What Makes Carbon Monoxide So Dangerous?

Part of what makes carbon monoxide so dangerous is the way that it affects your body. Your red blood cells bond with oxygen and carry it through the bloodstream to the tissues of your body. Carbon monoxide binds to red blood cells the same way, preventing them from carrying oxygen to the rest of your body, including your brain.

Another reason why carbon monoxide is dangerous is that it works fast. If it builds up to a sufficient level in your home, it can be deadly within five minutes. This is especially dangerous while you are sleeping because there is no opportunity to recognize the symptoms and get out of the house.

One of the biggest reasons why carbon monoxide is dangerous is because it is virtually undetectable to human senses. It has no taste or smell and is completely invisible. By the time you realize you are exposed to carbon monoxide, it may be too late to act.

How Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work?

Carbon monoxide detectors work in much the same way that smoke detectors do. They have mechanisms inside that react to the presence of carbon monoxide in the air to set off an alarm to alert you to the danger. This early warning allows you to get out of the house as soon as possible to seek fresh air and call 911.

How Many Carbon Monoxide Detectors Do You Need?

The most basic answer that is accurate for every home is “more than one,” but that answer doesn’t supply enough information for you to adequately protect your family. The number of carbon monoxide detectors that you require depends on the size of your home. You need to be sure that everyone in the household can hear them whether awake or asleep, so you need at least one on every level of the home, as well as one in every sleeping area.

Where Do You Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Ideally, there should be carbon monoxide detectors in every common room of your home, e.g., kitchen and living room, as well as any bedroom. As to where within each room the detector should be placed, you have greater latitude. Some people make a point of installing carbon monoxide detectors near the ground based on the theory that CO gas is heavier than air, and the detectors will be more effective down there. However, the alarms are just as effective if placed in the ceiling or in the walls. Therefore, you can install detectors anywhere that is convenient for you. The important thing is that you have them in the room, not where they are placed.

What Do the Different Beep Patterns Mean?

CO monitors beep to communicate information to you. Different messages are conveyed by different patterns of beeps. The most important signal is the four beeps and a pause that tells you that CO gas is present.

However, it does not always mean that carbon monoxide is present if the detector beeps. The device beeps once per minute to indicate that it needs its battery replaced. Five beeps per minute tell you that the detector is worn out and needs replacing.

Why Should You Choose Handyman Connection for Electrical Repair Services?

We hire only ESA-registered Master Electricians to handle CO detector installation and other electrical services. We will observe all applicable safety measures during the process and make sure the detectors are installed properly so that you can rely on them in an emergency.

*All electrical work is subcontracted to ECRA/ESA Licensed Electrical Contractors