Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors in Westchester, NY

Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector Installation Services

Many of the most tragic disasters are preventable. Deaths from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning are two such cases. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States, resulting in approximately 2,100 yearly deaths nationwide, according to the American Medical Association. Carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation can effectively protect you and your family from disasters like these. With safety features like these, you want to ensure they are installed correctly. Mr. Electric of Westchester performs carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation services in Westchester, New York. Learn more about installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Recognizing the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

While carbon monoxide is highly poisonous, it is nearly impossible to detect on your own. Carbon monoxide gas is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. On top of that, the symptoms can easily be mistaken for fatigue or routine illness. This is why getting carbon monoxide detector installation services is so important. A carbon monoxide detector continually monitors your air for the presence of carbon monoxide. If it detects any carbon monoxide, it will sound an alarm, alerting you and your family of the danger. Then, you can evacuate the home before the carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms take effect. The most common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Headache
• Chest pain
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle weakness
• Irregular breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting

Know the Most Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide Gas

There are many ways that carbon monoxide gas can enter your home, from faulty water heaters to bringing gas heaters inside the house. When carbon monoxide builds up in a poorly ventilated space, it quickly becomes dangerous to all occupants. Some professional tips for preventing carbon monoxide build-up in your home include:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors outside each bedroom and on each level of your home
• Change your carbon monoxide batteries at least once every six to 12 months
• Don’t operate vehicles, generators, or fuel-fed motors inside your home or garage
• Always turn off vehicles when they are parked in your garage
• Purchase gas appliances that have the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) seal of approval
• Get yearly inspections of your gas appliances performed by a professional
• Never run chemical heaters in enclosed spaces
• Call professionals when your gas appliances need to be repaired
• Don’t let fires burn in your furnace or fireplace without opening the flue first
• Don’t use your gas oven to heat your home
• Only use grills in well-ventilated outdoor areas
• Use battery-powered heaters when camping
• Adjust all gas appliances correctly, and ensure the exhaust fan is working
• Know the difference between your smoke detector’s alarm and your carbon monoxide detector’s alarm
• Call your local fire department if you cannot afford a carbon monoxide detector. Many of them have programs that help provide these safety devices to low-income households

Where You Should Put Carbon Monoxide Detectors

When installing carbon monoxide detectors, where you put them can make a huge difference. You can make them ineffective if you try to hide them behind doors or curtains. The ideal position for carbon monoxide detectors is at knee height since that is approximately the level at which you sleep. However, professionals often recommend installing them at chest height if you are concerned about children or pets tampering with them. It is also best to have a carbon monoxide detector outside each bedroom and to install one on each floor of your home, including your basement.

Installing the Right Smoke Detectors for Your Home

In the state of New York, the law requires homeowners to install and maintain smoke detectors in each sleeping area. There are even regulations about battery life and hardwiring when performing smoke detector installation services. On top of that, the National Fire Protection Association suggests that homeowner replace their smoke detectors every 10 years. When installing new smoke detectors, there are a few choices to make. The two main types of smoke detectors include:

• Ionization – These types of smoke detectors have a continuous current that runs between two electrodes. As smoke passes through the unit, this circuit is disrupted and causes the alarm to sound.
• Photoelectric – Photoelectric smoke detectors use light as their triggering mechanism. As smoke enters the unit, light is scattered across an internal photocell. The smoke detector will recognize this as the presence of smoke and set off the alarm.

Schedule a Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector Appointment!

Mr. Electric of Westchester has helped countless homeowners in Westchester, Harrison, and White Plains with carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation services. When we work with you, we will inspect your home’s layout and recommend the ideal configuration of units. We are committed to upfront pricing, which means we will explain the cost to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors ahead of time. Schedule your carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation appointment today!