Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 4:38PM You’ve probably heard about the new carbon monoxide detectors. Are they worth the money? Do they work, and if so, what type should you buy?
I think carbon monoxide detectors are valuable, although they have had some problems with false alarms triggered by quick changes in temperature or pressure, air inversion, or pollution. You should have at least one detector in your home near the sleeping areas.
Your best insurance against a carbon monoxide problem is routine maintenance of gas- or fuel-burning appliances. If you maintain your stove, furnace and water heater, problems should not develop. Also, maintain your fireplace or wood-burning stove and never, never use an unvented combustion device in your home.
When you buy a detector, We suggest one with a digital readout. Place the detector in your home according to manufacturer’s instructions. One good place is in a hall near bedrooms, at a height where you will notice the reading every night. If you frequently check the reading, you can monitor the level of carbon monoxide and react before any alarm sounds. Most of the alarms don’t sound until the carbon monoxide reaches 100 parts per million, which is a dangerous level for many people.
If you ever notice headaches, excessive drowsiness, or symptoms of a cold while you’re at home and these problems clear up when you’re away from home, suspect carbon monoxide. If your whole family feels ill, suspect carbon monoxide. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide, so if you suspect a problem, contact a service contractor immediately.
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Carbon monoxide comes from many different sources found in your home including burning fuel such as wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane and natural gas. CO also comes from internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers and power washers.