Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detector Solutions

The first thing a homeowner should do is to gain understanding of how carbon monoxide alarms operate, what their limitations are and the correct way to receive the best protection from their detector.

Smoke and carbon monoxide smoke detectors are more important today than ever. Recent studies have shown that carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths by poison in the United States.
 
It is a very serious poison as it is tasteless, odorless and invisible.
 
We all know the importance of installing smoke detectors in our homes in the event of fire however carbon monoxide detectors have an entirely different set of criteria when conducting research for the correct type for your home.
 
The molecules that make up carbon monoxide are composed of one single carbon atom which is bonded to a single oxygen atom.
When an incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, like gasoline, propane, wood, charcoal or natural gas and oil burn, that’s when carbon monoxide forms.
 
There are always very low levels of carbon monoxide present in our air.
 
Just using everyday appliances such as furnaces, fireplaces, space heater and ovens form incomplete combustion. Usually water heaters and/or furnaces are vented properly thus levels of carbon monoxide are released outside. It is the open flames from things such as ovens and ranges that are the most common sources of carbon monoxide. However, one of the most common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning is our vehicles.
 
The way the smoke and carbon monoxide detector work is that over time if an accumulation of carbon monoxide is present an alarm will sound. High levels cause harm with exposure in a short period of time can be harmful as well as a lower level over a longer period of time.

If your power is interrupted your alarm will fail to operate correctly as the detector needs a continuous supply of power. You can purchase smoke and carbon monoxide smoke detectors with back up battery power.
 
If inhaled directly carbon monoxide passes from your lungs into the hemoglobin molecules of your red blood cells. This forms a carboxyghemoglobin which disrupts the oxygen transport and gas exchange function of the red blood cells. Your body then becomes deprived of oxygen which often results in tissue damage and even death.
 
Exposure over time to lower levels of carbon monoxide mimics symptoms which are very much like having a cold or the flu, with mild headaches and a feeling of nausea. If symptoms such as confusion, migraines or feeling faint due to mild exertion then higher levels of carbon monoxide are possible.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in unconsciousness, brain damage and death. Your hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detector will sound an alarm before the exposure would be harmful to a healthy adult.
 
Your detectors should be placed anywhere that air rises, as carbon monoxide is lighter than air and mixes with rising air. Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors ideally should be placed about 6 feet above the floor and can even be secured on the ceiling.

You'll want to be sure not to place it near any fire producing appliance. Just like the security of having a fire alarm you should also place carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home.