The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates all home safety equipment, including carbon monoxide detectors. While you may not think much about your carbon monoxide alarm during the day when it’s working properly, at night while you’re sleeping in a fully-furnished house, a carbon monoxide detector is an essential part of your home security system.
So what exactly is carbon monoxide, and how does it kill people?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be generated by burning coal, wood or other fuels indoors. The gas is produced when these fuels are incompletely burned, resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide and water vapor. These gases are heavier than air, so they sink to the bottom of a room where they form a deadly mixture with oxygen.
It’s estimated that more than 1,000 deaths per year occur from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by residential heating systems. More than half of those victims died due to carbon monoxide exposure in their own homes.
How Does Carbon Monoxide Differ From Other Gases?
While carbon monoxide is invisible, it produces noxious fumes that smell like gasoline or kerosene. A carbon monoxide detector detects this gas by sensing its presence in a relatively small area. If the concentration is high enough, the detector will sound an alarm.
There is not just a single gas that is available in the environment. Air is generally the combination of the arioso gases. All have their own roles. Of we talk about the oxygen then it is a must for the human being breathing. Om eth other hand the carbon dioxide is a good one for the plants. A person can be on https://storiesofahouse.com/carbon-monoxide-detector-goes-off-in-middle-of-night/ and get the detail.
What Can You Do if Your Home Has a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
A carbon monoxide detector sounds the alarm because a dangerous level of carbon monoxide has been detected in the home. This warning means it’s time for you to take action. First, call 911 to alert emergency responders to the problem. Then, leave the building immediately and go outside.
If you have children or pets inside the house, get them out as quickly as possible. Close windows and doors, turn off any heaters, and make sure the furnace is turned off.
Do Not Try To Fix It Yourself
Even though it may look like nothing is wrong, turning on the furnace or stove may actually worsen the situation. Carbon monoxide levels build up over time, and without being ventilated, the buildup can become dangerous.
You should never try to fix a carbon monoxide leak yourself, even if it appears only one appliance is causing the problem. Instead, take the following steps to correct the issue:
- Turn off the main fuel source, such as a natural gas line or propane tank.
- Remove the pilot light and wait 30 minutes before relighting the appliance.
- Call your local fire department and report the problem, which will help them find the source of the leak.
- Turn off the heating unit and allow it to cool down completely.
- Wait 30 minutes to see if there are any signs of any leaks.
- After that, re-light the pilot light, and then check for any additional leaks.
- When All Is Said And Done, Call An Expert
A professional home inspector will thoroughly inspect your home to ensure everything is safe. They’ll also check your electrical wiring for any potential problems that could cause fires.
Once all the safety issues are resolved, you can breathe easy. The next time you need to buy another piece of home safety equipment, consider getting a carbon monoxide detector.
Where Can I Get One?
You can purchase carbon monoxide alarms online or at big box stores like Home Depot. You’ll also find these devices at many hardware and building supply stores.
Most models include a test button, allowing you to confirm that the device is functioning properly. You should always test it prior to putting it into service.
In some cases, the manufacturer will sell you the necessary testing kit, which includes two wires: one connected to the battery pack and one to your home’s power source. Simply connect the wires to the battery pack and power adapter, and you’ll be able to test the detector.
How Will My Carbon Monoxide Alarm Work When I Sleep In My House?
Carbon monoxide detectors work best when placed near the floor of a bedroom. This is because the higher you are standing above the ground, the lower the density of oxygen. Carbon monoxide molecules absorb infrared radiation, making them denser and less visible when compared to oxygen molecules. By placing the detector near the floor, it will be exposed to more of this radiation, creating a low reading.
This makes a good sense, but keep in mind that it’s important to place the alarm as close to a window as possible. This is especially true if you live in a cold climate, since the lower temperatures would further reduce the amount of oxygen in your home.
Is There Any Way To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
There are several things you can do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. First, install a carbon monoxide detector, which will alert you if it detects a dangerous amount of carbon monoxide in your home. Second, avoid using any type of fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces and stoves, in your home.
And finally, install a ventilation fan. Ventilation fans circulate air throughout your home, helping move the deadly gas away from your living space.
Finally, while these precautions aren’t foolproof, they can go a long way toward protecting your family against carbon monoxide poisoning.
