CO Detectors in Homes Can Save Lives

Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, contributes to a 1,500 fatal and 10,000 nonfatal poisonings in American homes each year, according to the EPA.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur from fumes escaping into the living space of a home from a faulty or poorly vented water heater, stove, boiler or furnace, or from a charcoal grill, gasoline engine or other fuel-burning device. Even new furnaces and other appliances have been known to emit poisonous CO gas.

Even if your own home is well protected against CO gas, if you live in a multifamily building you could still be at risk from your neighbors. It is not unusual for suicides and accidental asphyxiations to result in the injury or death of other people in the building.

Because of this danger, several companies produce CO detectors to warn building inhabitants of the presence of CO gas before it reaches a dangerous level. Most public safety officials highly recommend detectors, and many communities mandate them.

CO detectors are about as big as smoke alarms and are sold with either battery power or a standard power cord. The power cord design is less expensive to purchase and maintain but does not have a battery backup, so it doesn’t work during power outages. Either model can be easily installed by the homeowner.

Most home centers and hardware suppliers carry the alarms, and prices range from about $40 for electric models to $75 for battery-powered ones. Generally, one alarm for each level in the home is recommended. Suggested placement is roughly near the center of the home, 15 feet from a gas-burning appliance and 10 feet from a bathroom or air duct of any kind.

Each device comes with a test button that activates the detector and horn. Weekly testing is suggested to assure continued reliable operation.