Carbon Monoxide Monitors - Do You Know the Facts About Carbon Monoxide Detection and Safety?

Do you think carbon monoxide monitors are all you need to keep you and your family safe? The best protection is knowledge, so read on to find out if you know what you need to know about carbon monoxide safety and detection.

Known as the 'silent killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, propane, kerosene and wood (yes, wood). CO has no taste and no smell...so no warning. If your appliances, furnace or fireplace is not vented properly, CO can accumulate in your home and lead to serious health problems.

Monitors alert you to increasing levels of CO, but there are a few other warning signs that you should know about. If your indoor air is stuffy or stale most of the time, your pilot lights won't stay on, you smell gas when you turn on your appliances or your vent pipe or chimney is covered in white, chalky residue, then you have a problem. There are health indications as well. If members of your family are experiencing flu-like symptoms, nausea, burning eyes, drowsiness or headaches frequently, you may have dangerous levels of CO.

For the best coverage, you should have multiple carbon monoxide monitors, at least one on each floor. But you need to know how to place them properly.

You are most vulnerable to CO poisoning when you are sleeping. We have all read news stories of families who didn't know they had a problem, and just never woke up. Make sure you have carbon monoxide monitors near all of the sleeping areas in your home, so that everyone will wake up when it goes off. If you have multiple bedrooms in one area, one monitor placed in proximity to all of them will suffice. You should also mount monitors close to other rooms that have gas powered appliances, or fireplaces.

Many people don't know that CO weighs the same as air, so will not sink. If anything, it will rise along with the warn air released from the source. Mount detectors at least at knee height or higher. Don't go too close to the ceiling though, as it may never rise that high. Keep them about 15 feet from appliances, and away from humid areas.

For the most accurate protection, choose carbon monoxide monitors that track and store low levels of CO. This way, you can monitor your history and spot problems before they become dangerous. As always, prevention and knowledge are your best protection.

carbon monoxide monitors are an important part of your home security and safety. Why not visit this carbon monoxide monitor monitor blog for more helpful information.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

What You Should Know Before You Buy a Carbon Monoxide Tester

If you have gas appliances in your home, then you already know you need a carbon monoxide tester. But do you know how they work, and what your choices are? Before you buy one, read this article to discover the different types so you can make the best choice.

Carbon monoxide testers all do the same thing... they just do it in different ways. There are three sensor types. The most common type has a metal oxide sensor that is heated and reacts with carbon monoxide in the air. Generally, these are powered electrically and come with battery back-up in case of power outages. If you don't want to remember to test and change batteries, this is a good option. However, you will only be able to place them where there are outlets, and this may not be adequate... especially since CO doesn't sink, and outlets are usually closer to the floor.

The next type of carbon monoxide tester has biomimetic sensors. They are discs that have been coated with a special gel. When CO comes into contact with them, the gel turns color and sets off the alarm. They are usually less expensive and battery operated, so you can mount them wherever you need them. You just need to remember to test and change the batteries. People often use these as additional testers around the house.

Finally, there are electrochemical carbon monoxide testers. When CO comes into contact with the sensors, a chemical reaction causes an electrical current that sets off the alarm. This type is usually the most expensive because they are also the most sensitive. Unlike other testers, they read low levels of CO on the air and may also have a memory feature that records readings over time. Some have a continuous digital readout for at a glance readings, and many sound a warning when the sensors are wearing out and need to be replaced.

You must place your carbon monoxide tester properly in order for it to work effectively, no matter which type of sensor you opt for. In or near your bedroom is the best place, because you are most as risk for CO poisoning when you are asleep. Place your monitor outside of all of the bedrooms, such as in the hallway, and if you have other sleeping areas in the house make sure you mount one there as well. You want to ensure though that your detector is away from high humidity areas, such as the bathroom, and at least 6 feet from your appliances.

A carbon monoxide tester is just one element of household safety. Make sure you have a regular maintenance plan for your gas-fueled systems, and that you and your family have and practice an emergency plan so that you all know what to do when and if the alarm does go off.

There is a lot to look out for when trying to make your home secure and safe. There are many hidden dangers to be aware of.

Hopefully this has helped you if you are looking for a carbon monoxide tester but if you need further help then please visit carbonmonoxidemonitor.net for more information about a carbon monoxide monitor.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.