Installing Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Norman, OK
Professional Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector Installation
Your home is not safe without carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. In most areas, the law requires homeowners to maintain properly functioning smoke detectors. Today, most homeowners are aware of the importance of smoke detectors. They are often less aware of the necessity of carbon monoxide detectors, though. Carbon monoxide gas is the number one cause of deadly poisonings in the United States, causing more than 2,100 deaths each year, according to the American Medical Association. These cases of poisoning are entirely preventable with professionally installed carbon monoxide detectors. Mr. Electric of Norman helps keep homeowners in Norman, Oklahoma safe by installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Learn more about our carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation services.
What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
The reason carbon monoxide poisoning is so dangerous is that it is so difficult to detect. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. That means you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, even if there is a severe leak in your home. The first signs are usually the physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If a leak occurs while you are sleeping, you may not be aware of the physical symptoms until it’s too late. That is why it is so crucial to get professional carbon monoxide installation services. A carbon monoxide detector will set off an alarm, like your smoke detector, alerting you and your family the moment carbon monoxide levels become unsafe. Some of the common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle weakness
- Irregular breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and exhaustion
Mr. Electric of Norman’s Top Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Carbon monoxide gas can come from many different sources in your home. Many appliances can produce carbon monoxide gas if not working properly, including furnaces, water heaters, gas clothes dryers, ranges, and fireplaces. Cars, grills, and fuel-burning space heaters also emit carbon monoxide and leak into your home if used in a garage or other enclosed space. There are some tried-and-true ways of protecting your family from carbon monoxide poisoning, though. Some of Mr. Electric of Norman’s carbon monoxide safety tips include:
- Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in each room of your house
- Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector every six months, whether the battery is low or not
- Don’t ever operate a vehicle, generator, or fuel-fed motor in your garage or home
- Never leave your car running in your garage
- When buying a gas appliance, look for the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) seal of approval
- Schedule annual inspections for your gas appliances
- Avoid using chemical heaters in any enclosed spaces
- Get gas appliances repaired immediately
- Always open your flue when using your furnace or fireplace
- Never use a gas oven to heat your home
- Place grills in a well-ventilated area away from your home
- Use battery-powered heaters when camping
- Adjust gas appliances and check all exhaust fans
- Familiarize yourself with the sound of your carbon monoxide detector
- If you cannot afford a carbon monoxide detector, contact your local fire department. Many of them have programs to help low-income households and the elderly install carbon monoxide detectors.
Where Should I Install Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should both be installed in open, clear areas. Hiding them behind doors or curtains will limit their functionality. Other than that, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors requires different approaches. Since smoke rises, smoke detectors should be placed at ceiling height. On the other hand, experts recommend that you put carbon monoxide detectors at knee height. However, you may want to consider positioning them at chest height if you have little ones that might tamper with them at knee height.
Your Local Smoke Detector Installation Service Experts
Homeowners are required by law to have smoke detectors in certain areas of the home. Your smoke detectors may not alert you of a fire early enough if you have too few or poorly placed smoke detectors. Our professional smoke detector installation services will help you make sure you have smoke detectors monitoring every room, including hallways, stairways, and garages. We will also help you pick the best type of smoke detector for you. The two main types of smoke detectors include:
- Ionization – Ionization smoke detectors use a continuous electrical circuit, which is interrupted whenever smoke particles are present. The interruption of this circuit will sound the alarm.
- Photoelectric – This type of smoke detector constantly monitors the amount of light within an internal photocell. Even the smallest particles of smoke scatter light in the photocell, letting the smoke detector know it’s time to alert you.
Get Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector Installation Services!
Whether you need help installing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, Mr. Electric of Norman is here for you. Don’t let the cost to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors deter you from protecting your family. Most homeowners are shocked by how affordable our professional carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation services are. Request your carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation appointment online now!