The Best Places for a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Bedroom Area

• The most recommended place to install a detector is within 15 feet of each bedroom in the house, so you can hear it while sleeping. Placement may depend on the proximity of the bedrooms to each other. The National Fire Protection Association advises that you ensure the carbon monoxide detectors are plugged in all the way. If you are worried whether or not you will hear the alarm, can place a CO detector inside each of the bedrooms as well.

Location

• If your house is multi-level, you should have at least one CO detector on each level. Because carbon dioxide is lighter than air and floats upwards when it's humid, place the CO detector above average head level. Get it close to the ceiling but still where you can access it should the detector ever go off. An advantage of the elevated location is that it's out of harm's way and children and pets can not reach it.

Areas to Avoid

• There are some places in the house where you do not want to put a CO detector. For example, within six feet of heating and cooking appliances may lead to false alarms since gas is normally used in these areas. Avoid places where excess moisture and humidity may be present as this can damage the CO detector. Avoid putting CO detectors in unheated basements, attics and garages. Do not place them outside or anywhere with direct contact to weather.

Tips

• A CO detector is useless if the batteries don't work. If you have a battery-operated detector, it is encouraged that you replace the batteries at least twice a year, or if there is a low battery signal. A good time to do this is during daylight savings time. If your CO detector is plugged directly into the wall, you need to have batteries in as a back-up in case of a power outage. If the CO detector ever goes off, turned it off immediately and do not turn it back on until a qualified technical inspects the area.