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Senior Staff Writer, Security & Smart Home It might seem like a time-saver to run your car in the garage before a long commute, especially on a cold winter’s morning. But the emissions from your vehicle can fill your garage with carbon monoxide (CO)—a dangerous, silent threat—even if the garage door is open. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and poisonous gas that claims over 250 lives a year in Australia. It’s a byproduct of burning carbon fuel like the natural gas in your stove and the petrol in your car. Even small doses of carbon monoxide can cause permanent damage or death. Learn about CO detectorsWhat does a CO detector do?Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more videos like this one! Learn how to protect your home, your loved ones, yourself, and your belongings. About carbon monoxideWhat is carbon monoxide?Carbon monoxide gas is a simple molecule: one part carbon and one part oxygen. Carbon monoxide comes when carbon fuel—like wood, gasoline, coal, propane, natural gas, and heating oil—fails to burn completely (incomplete combustion). These energy sources aren’t dangerous when you burn them in an open area with plenty of ventilation. But carbon monoxide is hazardous in confined spaces—like basements, kitchens, garages, or campers. Carbon monoxide is hard to detect without a sensor, which is one of the reasons it’s so dangerous. Sources of carbon monoxide gasImage source: safewise.com Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?Carbon monoxide is deadly because it binds with your red blood cells and starves your body of oxygen after passing into your lungs. These are the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
Perhaps most troubling is the similarity to cold or flu-like symptoms that are easy to ignore—shortness of breath, nausea, and mild headaches. Disorientation and unconsciousness can occur when levels of carbon monoxide reach 150 parts per million (ppm). Eventually, the symptoms turn lethal without treatment. How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk, but fortunately, it’s preventable. Here are five tips for avoiding exposure, including installing sensors throughout your home.
Detecting carbon monoxideHow do you detect carbon monoxide?Carbon monoxide detectors are the fastest way to prevent CO poisoning. You can install a carbon monoxide alarm (or multiple detectors) in your home. They work much like your fire or smoke alarm by sounding a siren when they detect carbon monoxide. You can find simple models that set off a siren, or smart detectors like the Google Nest Protect that connect to your smartphone or home security system. How do carbon monoxide detectors work?Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm when they sense a certain amount of carbon monoxide over time. Different sensors set off different types of alerts:
Once the carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds, it must be in a carbon monoxide-free environment to silence the siren. When will my carbon monoxide detector go off?The CO alarm sounds if your sensor detects a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home—usually before you start sensing symptoms. With a low CO level (50 ppm), it may take up to eight hours for the alarm to go off. Higher levels (over 150 ppm) can trigger an alarm within minutes. Act quickly when an alarm sounds because low doses over long periods can be just as dangerous as sudden carbon monoxide exposure in ultra-high doses. What do I do if my carbon monoxide detector goes off?
Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent safety hazards in your home. Choosing a carbon monoxide detectorWhat kind of carbon monoxide detector should I get?Overall, carbon monoxide detectors sense CO fast and alert you as soon as they do. But there’s a surprising amount of variety in today’s carbon monoxide sensors. Some simple models plug into outlets or use a battery and alert you with a loud siren, like the one on your smoke detector. These models are cheap and suitable for multi-room buildings that need several units spread throughout. Many models include sensors for both smoke and carbon monoxide. These are an easy option that you can swap out your existing smoke detectors for. They also reduce the number of sensors on your walls or ceilings. You can also find smart models that connect with your smart home system or alert you of danger through a mobile app. These models are expensive but can be a wise investment if you want extra safety for kids and pets at home. Where should I place a carbon monoxide detector?Ensure everyone in the house can hear when an alarm goes off by placing a CO sensor in or near each of three critical locations in your home:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for additional guidance beyond these three locations. How many carbon monoxide detectors do I need?Carbon monoxide detectors aren't required by law in Australia, so there's no hard and fast rule for how many you need. Really, it comes down to personal preference. You may like to stick with one on each level of your home, or perhaps have one in every room. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links. Recent ArticlesDo I need a carbon monoxide alarm if I don't have gas?Residents who don't have a CO detector installed, should consider getting one, even if you don't have gas appliances. "If you have an attached garage, carbon monoxide can get into your house, small amounts can also seep up through the ground," said Captain Brian Ellis with the Kennewick Fire Department.
Why would I need a carbon monoxide detector?What Carbon Monoxide is and Why You Need a Detector. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and toxic gas produced as a by-product of combustion. Any fuel burning appliance, vehicle, tool or other device has the potential to produce dangerous levels of CO gas.
Does every room need a carbon monoxide detector?It is important to install CO alarms on every level of your house so all family members can hear the detectors and be alerted to the emergency. You should also have carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and common rooms for extra safety while you and your family are sleeping.
Where do you need a carbon monoxide detector?The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage.
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