How to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home

Repairs and Installation, Safety and Security, Video by Danny Lipford

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that is both odorless and colorless. It is generated as a byproduct of combustion from:

  • Natural gas and propane appliances such as stoves, water heaters, space heaters, and furnaces.
  • Gasoline and diesel engines found on cars, boats, and generators.
  • Wood fireplaces and gas inserts.
  • Fires and other forms of combustion.

Since carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, the alarm from a CO detector is to only way to know if you are being exposed before it’s too late. CO detectors can be either battery powered or plug directly into a wall outlet. Combination units are also available that contain both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in a single unit.

How to install carbon monoxide detectors:

  • Install at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.
  • Put a CO detector in or near each bedroom of your home.
  • Write the date purchased on the back of each alarm.
  • Since carbon monoxide doesn’t rise like smoke, CO detectors can be installed at any height in the room, including being plugged directly into a wall outlet.
  • Write the replacement date replace on each battery and change batteries as needed or every 6 to 12 months.
  • Clean CO detectors yearly by gently vacuuming or blow detectors out with canned air.
  • Replace carbon monoxide detectors every 10 years.

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One Comment on “How to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home”

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  1. Ira @ Carbon Monoxide Detectors Today Says:
    October 12th, 2009 at 13:47

    Great Post! Everyone is aware of the need for a Smoke Detector, but most peole still don’t understand the overwhelming need for a Carbon Monoxide Detector in their home. Keep telling them, it could save lives.

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