Should You Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Garage?

01/18/2018

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and potentially lethal gas produced by the burning of organic compounds commonly produced by many devices located in and around the home. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” CO poisoning kills hundreds of people in the U.S. each year and sickens thousands more. CO poisoning produces symptoms that mimic the flu. Exposure to high levels of CO can cause brain damage and even death.

What Are the Sources of Carbon Monoxide in the Home

There are numerous sources of carbon monoxide in the typical household. Examples include automobile exhaust, gas and kerosene space heaters, charcoal grills, diesel and gasoline-powered generators, the solvents in many cleaning products and paints, and even cigarette smoke. In most cases, these items produce CO levels that are harmless to humans and pets. However, malfunctioning equipment or unsafe use can significantly increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Why Is an Attached Garage Such a High-Risk Carbon Monoxide Area?

If yours is like the typical attached garage, it’s easy to understand why this part of your home is such a carbon monoxide “haven.” Assuming you frequently start up your vehicles inside your garage, the carbon monoxide-laden exhaust fumes will result in an accumulation of toxins over time. The problem becomes even more magnified if you run the engine with the garage door closed. In many homes, the garage is the preferred storage spot for paints and other solvent-containing products. The garage may even hold the HVAC unit and water heater in homes that do not have basements. Toxic CO gas from these items can seep into your home and possibly cause poisoning.

The Benefits of Installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Garage

Just as a smoke detector can provide an early alert of a fire, a CO detector can let you and your family know when carbon monoxide levels become unsafe inside your garage. The device will produce an audible alarm that will continue to sound until the gas is cleared from the garage, and the alarm is loud enough to wake you. You can even integrate CO detectors into your home security system that includes 24/7 central monitoring to ensure the timely dispatching of first responders.

Where Should You Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

The best place to install a carbon monoxide detector inside an attached garage is within 10 feet of the door. You should put detectors in rooms located above the garage, especially bedrooms. As with smoke detectors, CO detectors operate on batteries — most detectors produce an audible chirping noise that informs you of the need to replace the battery.

Titan Alarm – Your CO Detector Source in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ

Titan Alarm, Inc. can install a fully integrated security system that includes lifesaving carbon monoxide detectors in the garage and other vulnerable areas in your home. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free in-home consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.