It is important to understand the value of placing a carbon monoxide detector in the right place.
Too many property owners will not place the carbon monoxide detector in the correct spot causing it to start beeping when it shouldn’t.
A question you should be asking right away is – How far should a carbon monoxide detector be from the furnace?
A carbon monoxide detector should be 15-20 feet away from a furnace. This range will ensure the carbon monoxide detector picks up on fumes emitting from the furnace along with other similar appliances such as fireplaces and water heaters.
Your best strategy is to understand where the combustion appliances are in your home.
The carbon monoxide detector should be within range of these appliances. This is the best way to stay safe as these are the most common sources of carbon monoxide in the air.
This guide will provide a few important tips on how to install a carbon monoxide detector near a furnace and what to account for.
Best Carbon Monoxide Detector (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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Tips For Installing Carbon Monoxide Detector With Furnace
1. Stay Within 15-20 Feet
It’s recommended to stay within 15-20 feet of the furnace.
Since it’s a combustion appliance, you will want to have the carbon monoxide detector within range to pick up on potential fumes.
This will act as a safety net, which is key when it comes to toxic fumes in the air.
When you are positioning the carbon monoxide detector at home, it’s important to think about the rest of the property too.
This includes other combustion appliances that might be in the house.
Having it in a central location is useful as long as you stay within range of the furnace. For most homes, you will have no trouble doing this and should keep it somewhere on the same floor.
This will ensure the carbon monoxide detector picks up on the fumes instantly.
Remember, you should have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor.
2. Keep Five Feet Above The Floor
Let’s assume you are within range of the furnace.
The next step is to pinpoint the right height for the detector. If you install it too low or too high, this might become difficult to manage.
Most carbon monoxide detectors are kept within a reachable height.
This means you are going to put it at least five feet off the ground meaning you don’t need to bend to fix it.
This is also the right height as it will pick up on the fumes that are circling inside.
3. Don’t Barricade The Carbon Monoxide Detector
Putting a carbon monoxide detector near a furnace is one of the best things a person can do when it’s time to get things right.
However, you also need to understand the importance of not barricading it.
This means not placing anything in front of the detector. This can include furniture, wall fixtures, and/or anything else that might block the carbon monoxide detector from picking up on potential fumes in the air.
This has to be unimpeded for it to work properly.
This is a common mistake that is made and that is something you need to avoid at all costs.
4. Set Up A Maintenance Schedule For The Detector
It is also important to think about maintaining the carbon monoxide detector.
You should have a semi-annual checkup scheduled for the detector. This includes checking its power supply, testing if it’s working, and also seeing whether or not it is still within range from all of the combustion appliances.
This becomes important when you introduce new appliances into the home.
You should always think about safety in such scenarios. This includes knowing where the detector is located considering these appliances.
Where Is The Best Place To Put A Carbon Monoxide Detector?
The best place to put a carbon monoxide detector is within 15 feet of the combustion appliances on a floor. It should be five feet off the ground and unimpeded. You should also put a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the property.
Do I Need A Carbon Monoxide Detector In My Furnace Room?
You don’t need a carbon monoxide detector inside the furnace room. However, it should be within 15-20 feet of the furnace room and on the same floor. This will ensure the detector picks up on potential fumes instantly.
Final Thoughts
How far should a carbon monoxide detector be from the furnace?
A carbon monoxide detector should be 15-20 feet from the furnace. It should be located on the same floor and at least five feet off of the ground. It’s also recommended to consider other combustion appliances and install additional detectors on the other floors of a property.
This will provide a complete safety net when it comes to your home and potential carbon monoxide.
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