Everything you need to know about carbon monoxide detectors

Many people are not careful enough, even though the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) can arise anywhere there is a burning device with an open flame. This gas is particularly dangerous because it is colorless and odorless, making it completely undetectable to the human senses. When inhaled, it prevents the blood from carrying oxygen, and the symptoms of poisoning – headache, dizziness, nausea – can easily be mistaken for an incipient illness. By the time the situation becomes serious, it is often too late.

Old boilers are not the only danger

The belief that carbon monoxide poisoning is only a problem in homes with old, outdated heating systems is wrong. The source of danger can be any device that operates with an open flame and uses the air in the room for combustion – be it a fireplace, gas convector, tiled stove or even a instantaneous water heater.

Ironically, the installation of modern, well-insulated windows and doors can even increase the risk. While the old windows allowed continuous air exchange through the gaps, today’s perfectly sealed systems prevent the inflow of fresh air. If the proper air supply is not ensured, the combustion equipment will use up the oxygen in the room, combustion will become incomplete, and the flue gas escaping through the chimney can flow back into the living space, bringing deadly carbon monoxide with it.

The detector saved lives, but it doesn’t matter what kind and where it is

According to statistics from the National Directorate General of Disaster Management, in a significant proportion of accidents there was a detector in the household, but it was either not installed in the right place or it was not a tested, reliable device.

“The most important thing is to only buy a carbon monoxide detector from a reliable source, tested and certified by the domestic authorities” – draws attention to the MediaMarkt expert. – “These devices are on the so-called positive list of disaster management, which guarantees that they meet strict safety standards. We only sell such tested models, from simpler, lower-priced units to devices with a digital display that can be integrated into a smart home system, so everyone can find a solution that suits their home and wallet.”

Sensors that comply with the standards signal even at low, not yet harmful CO concentrations, so there is plenty of time to ventilate and leave the room. The device’s functionality should be checked monthly with the built-in test button.

Where to put it and where not? Golden rules for placement

Even the best sensor is worthless if it is placed in the wrong place. To avoid the most common mistakes, it is worth following the following advice:

Where it is recommended to install it:

• Near the source of danger: in the room where the boiler, stove or fireplace is located, it is worth placing it on the wall, at a height of approximately 1.5 meters, 1-3 meters from the equipment. Since CO also rises with warm air, the upper third of the wall is ideal.
• In the bedroom: most poisoning occurs at night, during sleep. If the bedroom is far from the boiler, it is worth placing a sensor here too, at “breathing height”, for example at the same level as the bed.

Where never to place it:

• In a closed space: do not place it in a cupboard, drawer, or behind furniture or curtains.
• Directly above the stove: the steam and fumes generated during cooking can cause unnecessary alarms and damage the sensor.
• In a drafty place: do not install it in the immediate vicinity of a window, door or fan, as the air flow can “blow” the carbon monoxide away from the sensor.
• In a bathroom, in a humid room: High humidity can destroy the device.

Purchasing a carbon monoxide detector is no longer a luxury, but part of responsible care. With a little attention, regular maintenance of heating systems and a properly placed, reliable alarm, most tragedies can be prevented.