CO Detector Placement and Maintenance

Why CO Is Dangerous

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. You can't tell it's there until you start feeling symptoms — headaches, dizziness, nausea — and by then, levels may already be dangerous. In Oklahoma, most CO incidents happen during heating season when furnaces, gas water heaters, or fireplaces malfunction or vent improperly.

Every home with gas appliances or an attached garage needs working CO detectors. Oklahoma doesn't have a statewide CO detector mandate like some states, which means it's on homeowners to take this seriously.

Where to Place Detectors

Placement matters more than most people realize:

• Every level of the home — Including the basement if you have one.
• Near bedrooms — CO can build up while you sleep. Put a detector in the hallway outside sleeping areas at minimum.
• Near gas appliances — Within 15 feet of your furnace, gas water heater, or gas fireplace, but not directly on top of them (that causes false alarms).
• Avoid dead air spots — Don't place them in corners where air doesn't circulate, near windows where drafts can dilute readings, or in bathrooms where humidity causes issues.
• Wall or ceiling mount — CO mixes with air evenly, so either location works. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

Keeping Detectors Working

A detector that's expired or has dead batteries is worse than no detector at all — it gives you a false sense of security.

• Test monthly — Press the test button. If it doesn't sound, replace the batteries or the unit.
• Replace batteries annually — Even in hardwired units with battery backup.
• Replace the entire unit every 5-7 years — The sensor degrades over time. Check the manufacture date on the back. Most units we see during HVAC service calls are past their replacement date.
• Don't ignore chirping — A chirping detector usually means low battery, but it can also mean the sensor is failing. Don't just pull the battery out.

The HVAC Connection

As HVAC technicians, we see the CO side of things regularly. Cracked heat exchangers in furnaces are one of the most common sources of CO leaks in homes. During our maintenance visits, we inspect heat exchangers and test for CO as part of the process.

If your furnace is over 15 years old, or if you notice a strange smell when the heat kicks on, don't wait — get it inspected. A $150 service call is a lot cheaper than a trip to the ER.

Need a furnace safety inspection or have questions about CO detectors? Call us at Trinity Climate Control.