Carbon Monoxide Alarms – 5 things to know
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas that is poisonous to humans. It is called the “silent killer” because humans cannot know when they are around it, while it’s very dangerous and deadly.
The carbon monoxide detector is a safety device that can alert people of a CO leak and help them escape.
What does a carbon monoxide alarm do?
It detect the poisonous gas and provide warning. So, people can escape & get to fresh air before this poisonous gas kills them.
In the event of a carbon monoxide leak, every second counts, and CO alarms can provide you and your family the advanced warning necessary to evacuate.
The main sources of carbon monoxide leaks?
Any fuel burning appliance, vehicle, tool or other device has the potential to produce dangerous levels of CO gas. The main sources at your home are: furnace, dryer vent in a drying machine, and fireplace or chimney. It is highly recommended to have these sources regularly serviced and maintained by a professional to help prevent a CO leak.
Where should you install carbon monoxide alarms?
CO alarms should be installed on every level of your house including the basement and attic. So all family members can hear the detectors and be alerted to the emergency. Place a CO sensor near or inside each bedroom for extra safety while you and your family are sleeping. They can be placed anywhere in the room, on the wall or the ceiling.
How often should you test and replace your carbon monoxide alarms?
As it for smoke detector, It is important to test your CO alarms at least once monthly.
If your CO alarm is battery operated, you should replace the batteries at least every 6 months.
Although you replace your batteries, CO alarms have a limited lifetime. It’s important to replace them every 5 to 7 years as per manufacturer’s instruction.
What does beeping mean?
There are different beep patterns to communicate whether there is an emergency or a replacement is needed
- 4 beeps and a pause: It means that there is carbon monoxide in the air. You should immediately evacuate the household to a safe location with fresh air and have someone call 911.
- 1 beep every minute: it means that the alarm has low batteries and need to be replaced.
- 5 beeps every minute: It means the carbon monoxide alarm has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced with a new one
