How to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Updated on 12th December, 2022 by Martin Astley

Dependency on heating has risen tenfold since autumn has begun. The temperatures will dip further in the coming months. We will be greeted by chilly winds and snowstorms, which will force many to stay indoors. Our security blanket against the harsh weather is none other than a gas-operated boiler. Manufacturers of national boiler brands promise warmth and comfort. In most circumstances, they deliver on their promise, but in some instances, boilers pose a threat to the well-being and lives of everyone living at home. Boilers that emit carbon monoxide need to be capped off immediately, as they are a source of danger.

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of gas boilers and is usually released outdoors through a flue. The deadly gas will equalise in our home under two circumstances: either the flue is blocked or our boiler is defective. Carbon monoxide will leak if there are cracks in the combustion chamber, leaks in the seams, or cracks in the exhaust piping. Its symptoms include nausea, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, and breathlessness. Don’t make the mistake of dismissing these symptoms as a case of the flu. It is far more lethal!

Its pseudonym, “silent killer,” is eerily befitting. According to the Department of Health, carbon monoxide poisoning causes 4000 medical visits and up to 50 deaths each year. As exposure to carbon monoxide increases, its symptoms go from bad to worse. Breathing in high levels of the deadly gas can cause seizures, a feeling that your environment is spinning, loss of physical coordination, and Parkinsonism. It is a degenerative neurological condition that is characterised by stiffness, impaired speech, and slow movement.

How to install a carbon monoxide alarm:

Choose the right carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide detectors come by the dozen. Choose wisely after researching the pros and cons of each type. You can find alarms that are plugged into an outlet and those that are wired into a wall by an electrician.  Battery-operated alarms are commonly used.

Location, Location, Location

Install a carbon monoxide alarm in every room that contains a fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas boiler or a hob. The alarm should be at least 3 metres away from the appliance. You should also install an alarm in any room that has the flu.

If you wish to install it on a wall, make sure that it is at least 15 centimetres away from the ceiling. You can also install the alarm on the ceiling, but it should be at least 30 cm away from the light source and walls.

The best place to install an alarm is in your bedroom and the rooms in which you spend the most amount of time. If you live in a multi-level home, you should install an interconnected carbon monoxide detector on every floor. All units will sound off even if one device detects the deadly gas.

Avoid These Areas

Care should be taken not to install a detector behind drapery, furniture, or in enclosed spaces such as a cupboard. This will prevent the device from effectively detecting the silent killer. Additionally, do not place the alarm next to a window, vent, or door, or in a damp area like a bathroom.

Read the Manual

The step by step installation of battery-operable alarms differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is therefore very important to read the manual that came with the packaging before you begin installation.

Use a Screwdriver

Use the template that comes with the instruction manual and place it against the wall. Mark installation holes with a pencil. Next, use a screwdriver to make holes in the marked spots. Place the wall plugs into the holes by tapping them into position.

Install the Base into the Wall

Place the screws into the anchors and then screw them in tightly. Afterwards, fit the carbon monoxide detector into position.

Insert Batteries

Insert the batteries into the device. Next, test the alarm by holding down the “Test” button until you hear it beeping. The alarm will sound for 3 to 5 seconds before turning off automatically.

Test Your Alarm

Make it a habit to test the alarm every month by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds off. This will ensure the alarm circuitry is functional. You should also test the sensor of the unit occasionally by using a canned CO detector test spray. It is a non-flammable aerosol. Press the spray nozzle for at least 3 seconds. Your alarm should sound off within minutes.