Repair & Improve

Detectors Don’t Lie

If your CO detector goes off - believe it

by Tom Kraeutler

One of the simplest ways to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning is by purchasing a detector. Technology has made these devices inexpensive, simple and reliable. 

But very often, serious CO injuries or deaths have occurred in homes that already have alarms installed.  How is this possible? Because the occupants refused to believe they had a problem! 

Consider this:  when a smoke detector goes off, your senses are overwhelmed by clues.  You see the smoke.  You smell the smoke.  But with CO, the only clue you’ll get is the sound of the alarm. 

Another reason alarms can be thought of as faulty is this: CO levels vary.  Depending on the amount of CO being produced by the bad appliance, as well as the amount of fresh air ventilating through the house, CO levels will rise and fall, intermittently causing the alarm go on and off. 

If this happens – don’t blame the alarm!  Open the windows, get everyone out of the house and call a professional to locate the cause of the problem.   

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends every home have at least one detector per floor. Prices start at around $35.

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