Home Run Inspections, LLC

Placement of CO Detectors

Placement of CO detectors can monitor exposure levels in a home if they are installed in the correct locations.

Do Not place them:

directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up;
within 15 feet of heating and cooking appliances, or in or near very humid areas, such as bathrooms;
within 5 feet of kitchen stoves and ovens, or near areas locations where household chemicals and bleach are stored (store such chemicals away from bathrooms and kitchens, whenever possible);
in garages, kitchens, furnace rooms, or in any extremely dusty, dirty, humid, or greasy areas;
in direct sunlight, or in areas subjected to temperature extremes. These include unconditioned crawlspaces, unfinished attics, un-insulated or poorly insulated ceilings, and porches;
in turbulent air near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh-air returns, or open windows. Blowing air may prevent carbon monoxide from reaching the CO sensors.

Do place CO detectors:

within 10 feet of each bedroom door and near all sleeping areas, where it can wake sleepers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recommend that every home have at least one carbon monoxide detector for each floor of the home, and within hearing range of each sleeping area;
on every floor of your home, including the basement (source: International Association of Fire Chiefs/IAFC);
near or over any attached garage. Carbon monoxide detectors are affected by excessive humidity and by close proximity to gas stoves (source: City of New York);
near, but not directly above, combustion appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces, and in the garage (source: UL); and
on the ceiling in the same room as permanently installed fuel-burning appliances, and centrally located on every habitable level, and in every HVAC zone of the building (source: National Fire Protection Association 720). This rule applies to commercial buildings as well.Home Run Inspections, LLCOklahoma: 405-905-9175Info@HomeRunInspections.com
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What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal. This article looks at the importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Facts and Figures

480 U.S. residents died between 2001 and 2003 from non-fire-related carbon-monoxide poisoning.
Most CO exposures occur during the winter months, especially in December (including 56 deaths, and 2,157 non-fatal exposures), and in January (including 69 deaths and 2,511 non-fatal exposures). The peak time of day for CO exposure is between 6 and 10 p.m.
Many experts believe that CO poisoning statistics understate the problem. Because the symptoms of CO poisoning mimic a range of common health ailments, it is likely that a large number of mild to mid-level exposures are never identified, diagnosed, or accounted for in any way in carbon monoxide statistics.
Out of all reported non-fire carbon-monoxide incidents, 89% or almost nine out of 10 of them take place in a home.

Physiology of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When CO is inhaled, it displaces the oxygen and effectively suffocates the body. CO can poison slowly over a period of several hours, even in low concentrations. Sensitive organs, such as the brain, heart and lungs, suffer the most from a lack of oxygen.

High concentrations of carbon monoxide can kill in less than five minutes. Exceeding the EPA concentration of 9 parts per million (ppm) for more than eight hours may have adverse health affects. The limit of CO exposure for healthy workers, as prescribed by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration, is 50 ppm.

Recommendations

When purchasing a home for you and your family, make sure you have the appropriate Smoke and CO detectors in your home in the appropriate locations. If you don’t have a CO detector in your home, please pick one up today. They are more affordable and readily available than ever before:

Lowes Smoke and CO Detector

Home Depot Smoke and CO Detector

Many smoke alarms are also CO detectors so read the label. Also, most detectors now come with a 10 year battery for improved safety.

Let us inspect your potential new home to ensure your family’s safety. Scheduling has never been easier with our On-Line 24/7 scheduler.

Scott Price, CPI, #1532
Certified Master Inspector
Home Run Inspections
405-905-9175
Info@HomeRunInspections.com
We cover all of the bases!

Serving: Oklahoma City, Norman, Yukon, Edmond, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

Schedule Inspections Online at:

Home Run Inspections

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Tag Archive for: CO detector

Placement of CO Detectors

What is carbon monoxide?

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Facts and Figures

Physiology of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Recommendations

Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma Service Areas

Certified Master Inspector