7 Places to Install Your Carbon Monoxide Detector in Cedar Rapids

 

As a Cedar Rapids homeowner, you know you have to have carbon monoxide detectors in your home, but where should they go?

 

Did you know Iowa is on the list of states that require homeowners to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes? This is because carbon monoxide detectors save hundreds if not thousands of lives each year. While you know it’s the law, you might be uncertain where exactly to place CO detectors in your home.

At Hawkeye Communication, it’s our job to keep your family safe. We specialize in life safety and CO detection so we’re happy to come to your home in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Iowa City, or Cedar Rapids to give you an installation estimate.

In the meantime, here are 7 places you should have the carbon monoxide detector in Cedar Rapids installed:

1. Outside each bedroom

When we’re asleep, we could be breathing in toxic gas and not exhibiting any symptoms. This is why we’re most vulnerable to CO poisoning at night. Our life safety team recommends placing your CO alarms within 10 feet of each bedroom door for maximum protection. If you only have the means for one alarm, install it where it’s the closest to every bedroom. 

2. Near fuel-burning appliances

If you have any of the following appliances running in your home, install a CO detector near them:

• Furnaces
• Lanterns
• Fireplaces
• Gas water heaters
• Gas dryers
• Room heaters
• Gas ranges
• Grills
• Stoves
• Vehicles
• Small gasoline-powered engines 

3. All levels of the home

Having one alarm in the basement by the furnace does not mean your highest story is protected. If you have a two-story house with all the bedrooms upstairs, make sure there’s at least one carbon monoxide detector in the upper level. 

Do you have a garage? Even if it’s a detached one (attached garages are more likely to have CO build-up) it should have a detector.

4. Five feet from any carbon monoxide source

Fuel-burning appliances are sources of CO. If they have proper ventilation systems then build-up shouldn’t be an issue, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

Install detectors near all of the following:

• Living room fireplaces
• Kitchen gas ranges/ovens
• Dryers and water heaters in the laundry room
• Gas or oil furnaces in the attic/basement 

5. Near the ceiling

There are a lot of systems on the market that double as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Cedar Rapids. If you have one of these alarm systems, be sure to place the detectors on the ceiling.

CO gas is lighter than air, but it doesn’t rise when it’s in an enclosed space. CO equalizes over time, which means it spreads evenly throughout an area thus putting you at greater risk. 

6. Away from windows and doors

Placing a carbon monoxide detector close to windows and doors will keep it from properly detecting CO build-up. All that fresh air will prevent the system from sounding the alarm!

7. Routinely replace detectors

There are a lot of high-quality detectors available on the market but most of today’s models last between 5 and 7 years. Keep track of when your alarms were installed and test them to ensure they’re still working properly. If you doubt their functionality, call Hawkeye Communication today.

Install your carbon monoxide detector in Cedar Rapids today

Carbon monoxide is always a threat, but it’s important to be vigilant during the winter season when we’re cooped up inside. Winter will be here before we know it, so have your carbon monoxide detectors installed or replaced by Hawkeye Communication today.

We’re happy to come to your home in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, or Iowa City to ensure your family is protected.