Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors in Central Iowa | Mr. Electric

Smoke detectors should be installed outside every bedroom in your home and in the hallways, stairways and garages. Now, new laws require hardwired smoke detectors that connect to your electrical wiring with a battery backup.

You should replace your smoke detectors every 10 years and your batteries every year.

Our tips to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Avoid using flameless chemical heaters indoors.
• Always open the fireplace flue when the fire is on.
• Don’t heat your home with a gas oven.
• Get proper maintenance on all gas appliances.
• Never leave your vehicle on while it is inside the garage.
• A carbon monoxide detector should be installed on every level of your house and outside every bedroom if possible.
• Change the carbon monoxide detector batteries twice a year.
• Gas appliances should be labeled with the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) seal of approval.
• Get yearly safety inspections performed by our service professionals
• Know the difference between the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector alerts.
• Gas appliances should always operate in open, ventilated areas.

Carbon monoxide is associated with many gas appliances. Some of the products in your home that may contain carbon monoxide include:

• Gas fireplaces
• Gas grills
• Car exhaust
• Gas clothing dryers
• Gas furnaces
• Water heaters

It’s essential to know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. When a carbon monoxide detector detects elevated carbon monoxide levels, it will sound an alarm. It’s critical to exit your home immediately if you experience any signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. The symptoms mimic the flu without any fever. The most common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include the following:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Irregular breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Lethargy

A smoke detector can save your life in the event of a fire. The most important smoke detector tips include the following:

• Check your smoke detectors twice a year.
• Avoid placing smoke detectors near a window or areas with a draft.
• Check your battery-powered backup system.
• Center your smoke detectors on the ceiling.
• Do not pull a smoke detector unit from the wall.
• Practice your emergency exit plan.
• Store a fire extinguisher in your home.

Mr. Electric of Central Iowa is the local expert at installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Ankeny, Des Moines, Urbandale and Waukee, Iowa. We will help you find the most effective places to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Our team offers upfront costs to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Thanks to our Neighborly Done Right Promise^®, we always back our work with a guarantee and won’t charge any overtime fees. Contact us today to get an estimate on our smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector installation services.