Carbon monoxide is known as "The Silent Killer" because it is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is produced whenever fuel (like gas, oil, wood, or charcoal) is burned. If your home has a gas furnace, a fireplace, or an attached garage, CO protection is not just a good idea—it’s a necessity.

In most homes, potential sources include:

• Gas water heaters and furnaces
• Gas stoves and ovens
• Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
• Blocked chimneys or flues
• Running a vehicle or generator in a garage

To stay compliant with safety standards and local building codes, detectors should be placed:

• On every level of the home, including the basement.
• Outside every sleeping area. If you have bedrooms in different wings of the house, each area needs its own detector.
• Near (but not directly over) fuel-burning appliances. Keeping them 15–20 feet away from the furnace or stove helps prevent "nuisance alarms" while still providing protection.

1. Hardwired with Battery Backup: The most reliable option. These are wired directly into your home’s electrical system so they are always "on," with a battery ready if the power goes out.
2. Interconnected Alarms: This is the gold standard for safety. If the detector in the basement senses a leak, every alarm in the house sounds simultaneously to ensure everyone wakes up.
3. Combination Smoke/CO Alarms: A great space-saving solution that monitors for both fire and gas in a single unit.

• The 10-Year Rule: Just like smoke detectors, CO alarms have a limited lifespan. Most sensors lose accuracy after 7–10 years and must be replaced.
• Test Monthly: Press the test button once a month to ensure the circuitry and siren are working.
• Never Ignore the Chirp: If your alarm is "chirping" every minute, it usually means the battery is low or the unit has reached its end of life.

"Many people think their smoke detector also detects Carbon Monoxide. Most do not. If you aren't sure if your home is fully protected, give Easy Fix Home Repair a call. We’ll inspect your current units and install the right protection to keep your family safe."

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