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We moved into our house one year ago, but I was wondering and seriously considering buying a carbon Monoxide detector because we have a furnace. We bought them for our house in the UK, just to be safe, but the house was like typical houses in the UK oldish. Since our house in the US is newer, should we need to still buy a detector? Thank You.

2006-11-21 12:18:49 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden Other - Home & Garden

Off to get 3 now, thank you all.......

2006-11-21 12:32:31 · update #1

I bought 3 first response C M Detectors, and there in the lounge, master bedroom and childrens playroom. Thanks again!

2006-11-21 13:53:53 · update #2

18 answers

If you have any natural gas running through your house, then the answer is DEFINITELY YES! It doesn't matter how old or efficient a natural gas appliance is, it can still give off carbon monoxide, and you wouldn't even know until you and your family got sick, if you even woke up at all. If your house uses all electric then no, you'll never need a carbon monoxide detector, but if you have gas, and love your family get one. It never hurts, and is one of those "just in case" precautions.

2006-11-21 12:28:31 · answer #1 · answered by mlw6366 3 · 0 0

ABSOLUTELY! The CO detector is used to detect a by-product of incomplete combustion. It is a silent killer, and without a detector, is virtually undetectable. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas which is heavier than air and therefore displaces the air at lower levels of a room. As the concentration of CO in the air increases the amount of available oxygen decreases which causes all manner of physical and neurological impairment, up to and including death. The CO actually bonds more strongly than oxygen to the hemoglobin (the oxygen carrying material) in your blood. This causes anoxia (oxygen deprivation) and slowly (or quickly depending on the level of CO) suffocates your body. The onset of the manifestations of CO poisoning can be subtle and develop over a long term if the levels are not immediately lethal. The conditions caused by CO can be devastating and may never totally disappear even after treatment.
The generation of CO is not directly correlated to the age of a dwelling. It is caused by any one of a number of malfunctions or incorrect settings, notwithstanding the age of the furnace(s), although that is also a consideration.. You don't say whether your furnace is gas or oil fired. If gas fired, a CO detector is a must! Not quite as critical with an oil fired unit, but still a good idea. I say that because if an oil burner malfunctions it generally gives off its signature 'stink'. A misfiring gas unit as a rule does not have that same 'advantage'. You probably use gas and, don't forget, if you cook with gas and heat your hot water with gas, you have additional potential sources of CO. The detectors are really cheap LIFE insurance. Remember, ANY equipment which utilizes combustion is a potential source of CO. Stay well!
NOTE: Carbon monoxide is heavier than air and will 'flow' and 'pool' near the floor. You sleep close to the floor! Do not mount your detectors too high on the wall as this will make them less effective. Check with your local fire department about the possible legal requirements for both CO and Smoke Detectors in your locality. You may want to check with your insurance carrier to be certain you comply with the stipulations in your policy, so as to sure you are covered, in the event of a claim, were there not to be said devices in your dwelling. WHEW!

2006-11-21 14:15:54 · answer #2 · answered by popcorn 3 · 1 0

Have both carbon monoxide detector and smoke detectors. Also have ventilated windows in every room and never close the vents. I cannot abide a stuffy atmosphere. Windows are opened every day to allow a through flow of air for about an hour, in the winter, most of the day during the summer. I just wish house windows in the UK had fly screens like they do in the USA. Beulah

2016-05-22 11:07:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

YES the age of the house is irrelevant. the type of heating is important. If you heat with oil or gas you need a carbon monoxide detector

2006-11-21 12:23:17 · answer #4 · answered by teddybear 3 · 0 0

You bet you should. I was exposed long term, low level carbon monoxide and started simulating alzheimer's. After it was detected, it took me about 6 months of serious effort to regain my vocabulary and the gray/blue tinge my skin had taken on. It is one of the most insidious of poisons and can seriously affect your long-term health, if it doesn't kill you outright.

Why take a chance, the detectors are cheaper than dirt compared to the alternative.

2006-11-21 12:31:19 · answer #5 · answered by norrispatriciaw 1 · 0 0

Your house should already have one, but if it doesn't then invest about $30-40 (each) for a plug-in unit. It simply plugs into any wall outlet.
Remember it's important to have it about 10 feet from every bedroom. This distance will give you an idea how many you may need.
Hope this helps.

2006-11-21 12:49:35 · answer #6 · answered by TheElectrician 4 · 0 0

Yes. Even new homes can have problems with Carbon Monoxide. Ventilation of your furnace is the key but even they can fail by wasp nest or birds.

2006-11-21 12:23:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Some states require them, NY does, so you might be better off getting one even if your state doesn't. Remember to keep it closer to the floor because thats where the CO starts to build up.

2006-11-21 12:33:24 · answer #8 · answered by Christopher K 2 · 0 0

if you have gas heat you should have a carbon monoxide detector

2006-11-21 12:21:16 · answer #9 · answered by autumn 3 · 0 0

I personally wouldn't think of NOT having one. It makes me nuts to think about -- so I say "yes" get one and you'll sleep beter knowing you have it in the house even if you never use it--God willing!

2006-11-21 12:28:14 · answer #10 · answered by betcovermont 1 · 0 0

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