Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement: Where to Place CO Alarms in Your Home

install carbon monoxide detector

Keep your family safe by installing CO alarms near the bedrooms

Carbon monoxide alarms save lives. Learn what they do, how to install, and where you should place CO detectors.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because it is odorless, tasteless and colorless. It’s also toxic, since the gas can prevent your body from properly transporting oxygen. If inhaled in high concentrations, carbon monoxide poisoning can happen quickly; it can also occur slowly if toxic gas levels build up slowly over time.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

People who have been exposed to carbon monoxide experience a range of symptoms that may include headaches, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, burning eyes and loss of consciousness. An acute case can result in brain damage and death. Note that children, seniors and people who have pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions are often more sensitive to the effects of carbon monoxide.

What are possible sources of carbon monoxide in my home?

Carbon monoxide is a natural by-product of many home appliances. If you use charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, wood, propane, natural gas or heating oil to create energy or heat – hot water heaters, grills, furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, room heaters, etc. – then there is potential for carbon monoxide in your home. It’s important to have these products installed by a professional, since proper installation, ventilation and maintenance will reroute any carbon monoxide emissions out of your home to keep your family safe.

carbon monoxide danger

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas known as the “silent killer”

What are carbon monoxide alarms?

Carbon monoxide detectors, also known as CO alarms, function similarly to smoke alarms. If carbon monoxide levels are present in your home, the detector will emit a sharp beeping sound to alert you to the danger. Like smoke alarms, it is important to change your CO detector batteries regularly; I like to schedule new batteries for Daylight Savings time change, since they make it easy to remember this twice-yearly swap.

How do I install a carbon monoxide alarm?

Heat and smoke rise, which is why we place smoke alarms high on the wall or ceiling. Carbon monoxide, however, mixes with the air. For this reason, it is preferable to install CO alarms at knee level – the approximate height of a sleeping person’s nose and mouth.

If you have young children or pets that could tamper (play) with your detectors, you can move them up to chest height. Another option is to place them in a hard-to-reach area, where even curious hands and overzealous tails would have a hard time reaching. Bear in mind that a CO detector should never be blocked by furniture, curtains or other objects, as restricted airflow can affect its function.

A single-function carbon monoxide alarm is recommended, but if you are installing a dual smoke-CO detector, place it on the ceiling so it can detect smoke.

where to install CO alarm

Carbon monoxide detectors should be strategically placed around your home

Where should I place carbon monoxide detectors in my home?

Since we are most vulnerable to the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning while we sleep, it is important to place alarms near your family’s bedrooms. If you only have one CO alarm, place it as close to everyone’s sleeping area as possible.

Ideally, you should have carbon monoxide detectors placed throughout your home, as you do smoke alarms. You should place a CO detector in each major area of your home: in the kitchen, in your living/dining room, in your bedrooms, and the office. If you have children or elderly family members living with you, provide extra protection near their rooms. If you live in a multi-story home, be sure to place at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level.

If your furnace is located in the basement, be sure to place a CO detector there, as well. Likewise, if you have a gas clothes dryer, put an alarm in the laundry room. Place one in the garage, if you park your cars there. Wherever you have a solid fuel-fired appliance – anything that could produce carbon monoxide – you should also have a CO alarm.

Continue reading here: Keeping Your Family Safe During a Terrorist Attack

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Readers' Questions

  • Patrick
    Where should carbon dioxide detectors be placed?
    2 months ago
  • Carbon dioxide detectors should be placed in areas prone to high carbon dioxide levels, such as rooms with gas-fired appliances or heating systems, enclosed spaces without proper ventilation, or areas with potential carbon dioxide leaks. Some specific areas to consider are:
    1. Near gas stoves or ovens: Place a carbon dioxide detector near your gas stove or oven to detect any leaks from the appliance.
    2. Furnace rooms: Install a detector in or near the furnace room to monitor carbon dioxide levels from the heating system.
    3. Garages: If your garage is connected to your home or has the potential for vehicle exhaust or other carbon dioxide sources, place a detector in this area.
    4. Basements: Carbon dioxide can accumulate in basements, especially if there is inadequate ventilation or if a gas furnace or water heater is present. Install a detector here to ensure safety.
    5. Sleeping areas: It is advisable to have a carbon dioxide detector in or near bedrooms, especially if there are any potential carbon dioxide sources nearby.
    6. Enclosed spaces without ventilation: Rooms or spaces without proper ventilation, like storage rooms or crawlspaces, should have a carbon dioxide detector to detect any potential build-up.
    7. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for installation and placement recommendations.
    • liliana
      Where to put a plugin carbon monoxide detector?
      7 months ago
    • A plugin carbon monoxide detector should be placed in a well-ventilated area near potential sources of carbon monoxide, such as gas-powered appliances, furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces. It should be plugged into an electrical outlet that is not obstructed or covered by furniture or other objects. Additionally, it should be installed at a height of around 5 feet from the ground, as carbon monoxide tends to rise in the air. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and placement.
      • fiyori
        Where to locate carbon monoxide detectors?
        7 months ago
      • Carbon monoxide detectors should be strategically placed in various locations throughout your home. Here are some recommended locations:
        1. Inside each bedroom or sleeping area: Place a carbon monoxide detector near any sleeping areas to ensure early detection if there is a leak while you and your family are asleep.
        2. On each level of your home: Install a detector on each floor, including the basement, attic, and garages. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in these areas if there are gas-powered appliances.
        3. Near fuel-burning appliances: Place detectors near gas stoves, furnaces, hot water heaters, and fireplaces to monitor any potential leaks.
        4. In proximity to attached garages: Since carbon monoxide can leak from car exhaust fumes, place detectors near any attached garages to protect against seepage into your living space.
        5. Close to fireplaces or wood stoves: If you have any wood-burning fireplaces or stoves, consider installing detectors near these areas as well.
        6. Ensure that detectors are installed at least 5-6 feet above the floor level and away from windows or vents where fresh air could disrupt their readings. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct placement and maintenance of your specific carbon monoxide detector model.
        • klaudia
          Where should smoke and carbon monoxide detectors be placed?
          7 months ago
        • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in several key locations throughout a home for optimal safety. Here are some suggested placements:
          1. Bedrooms: Install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in each bedroom or just outside the sleeping area to ensure early warning for sleeping occupants.
          2. Hallways: Place detectors in the hallway outside of bedrooms to provide an early warning for all sleeping areas.
          3. Living areas: Install a detector in the living room or any other large common area within the house. This helps in providing early warning to the occupants during their daily activities.
          4. Kitchen: Place a smoke detector away from the cooking area to prevent false alarms, but still close enough to detect any smoke that might arise from kitchen fires.
          5. Basement: Install a carbon monoxide detector in the basement, especially if there are any fuel-burning appliances or a garage attached to the house, as this area is more susceptible to carbon monoxide accumulation.
          6. Additionally, it's recommended to install detectors on every level of the home, including the basement and attic, if applicable. Make sure they are placed at eye level or on the ceiling, following the manufacturer's instructions for installation distance from walls and corners. Regularly test and maintain the detectors to ensure their proper functioning.
          • travis
            Where to mount carbon monoxide alarm?
            7 months ago
          • A carbon monoxide alarm should be mounted on a wall at a height of approximately 5 feet from the ground. It is important to place the alarm near bedrooms or sleeping areas so that it can be easily heard if it goes off during the night. Additionally, it should be positioned away from sources of heat or humidity, such as windows, stoves, or bathrooms, as these can affect its performance. The specific manufacturer's instructions should always be followed for proper installation and placement.
            • Porro
              Where to hang carbon monoxide alarm?
              7 months ago
            • It is recommended to hang carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, including basements and sleeping areas. Place them at least 10 feet away from sources of carbon monoxide, such as fuel-burning appliances, and ensure they are easily heard and seen in case of an emergency. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance on installation and placement.
              • habte
                Does carbon monoxide rise to the ceiling?
                8 months ago
              • Yes, carbon monoxide (CO) is slightly less dense than air and tends to rise to the ceiling when released indoors. This is because carbon monoxide molecules are typically heated by sources such as stoves, furnaces, or engines, causing them to become less dense and thereby rise in the presence of warmer air. However, it is important to note that carbon monoxide can spread throughout an enclosed space and mix with the air at different levels, so it is crucial to have appropriate detectors installed at recommended positions throughout the area.
                • shirley
                  Where to plug in carbon monoxide detector?
                  8 months ago
                • A carbon monoxide detector should be plugged in a wall outlet. It should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically at knee height or slightly higher. It is important to place the detector in areas where carbon monoxide gas is likely to accumulate, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or hallways outside sleeping areas. Additionally, if a home has multiple levels, it is recommended to install at least one detector on each level.
                  • ted
                    Where to locate carbon monoxide detector?
                    8 months ago
                  • Carbon monoxide detectors should be located in areas where carbon monoxide is most likely to accumulate, such as near fuel-burning appliances (such as furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves), in close proximity to sleeping areas (such as outside bedrooms or in hallways leading to bedrooms), and on every level of a home or building. It is recommended to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of the carbon monoxide detector for installation and location guidelines.
                    • EVAN
                      Can you put a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen?
                      8 months ago
                    • Yes, it is recommended to have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector installed in the kitchen. The kitchen is one of the areas in a home where CO can be produced due to the combustion of fuels such as gas or oil stoves, ovens, or other appliances. It is important to place the detector in a location where it can effectively detect any potential CO leaks. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and maintenance of the CO detector.
                      • valente
                        What is the correct mounting height for a carbon monoxide detector?
                        8 months ago
                      • According to most guidelines, the recommended mounting height for a carbon monoxide (CO) detector is approximately 5 feet above the floor. This height allows for efficient detection of CO, as carbon monoxide typically mixes evenly with the air in a room. Mounting the detector at this height helps ensure that it can detect any potential CO gas in the surrounding area easily. However, it is always important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific recommendations regarding placement and mounting height for your particular model of CO detector.
                        • Alcide
                          Where should carbon monoxide detectors be located?
                          9 months ago
                        • Carbon monoxide detectors should be located in specific areas of your home to maximize their effectiveness. Here are some recommended locations:
                          1. Near Bedrooms: Install a carbon monoxide detector near each sleeping area or in the same room. This will provide early detection in case of a leak during the night when people are most vulnerable.
                          2. On Each Level of the Home: Place a detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. Carbon monoxide can rise or accumulate in different areas, so having detectors on each level ensures comprehensive coverage.
                          3. Near Combustion Appliances: Install a detector in close proximity to any fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, or fireplaces. These devices can produce carbon monoxide, so it is important to monitor their emissions.
                          4. In Garages: If you have an attached garage, place a detector near the entrance or inside the garage. Automobiles and other vehicles can produce carbon monoxide, and it can quickly enter your home through connecting doors or vents.
                          5. RVs, Boats, and Trailers: If you own a recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer, ensure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed inside these enclosed spaces. Fuel-powered engines used in these vehicles can emit carbon monoxide, which poses a risk in confined areas.
                          6. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions on proper placement and installation. Additionally, regularly test and maintain the detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly.
                          • lorenza
                            Where to position carbon monoxide detector?
                            9 months ago
                          • It is recommended to place a carbon monoxide (CO) detector on every level of your home, including the basement, and near sleeping areas. The detector should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, which typically suggest placing it at least 5 feet above the ground and away from fuel-burning appliances or areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Additionally, it is best to avoid placing the detector in direct sunlight or near windows.
                            • spencer
                              What height should carbon monoxide detectors be installed?
                              1 year ago
                            • ? According to the US Fire Administration, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area of the home and on every level of the home, including the basement. The ideal height to install the detector is at least five feet (1.5 meters) above the floor.
                              • julia
                                How high to mount carbon monoxide detector?
                                1 year ago
                              • Carbon monoxide detectors should be mounted at least 5 feet above the floor on a wall or ceiling.
                                • Salvia
                                  How high to mount co detector?
                                  1 year ago
                                • It is recommended to mount Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors at least 15 feet (4.5 meters) away from any fuel burning appliances, such as stoves, ovens, fireplaces, and furnaces, and at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) off the ground.
                                  • leah
                                    How high off the floor should a carbon monoxide detector be mounted?
                                    1 year ago
                                  • According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a carbon monoxide detector should be mounted at least 5 feet off the floor.
                                    • bisirat
                                      How high should carbon monoxide detectors be mounted?
                                      1 year ago
                                    • Carbon monoxide detectors should be mounted at least 5 feet above the floor.
                                      • teppo
                                        What is the recommended location for a carbon monoxide detector?
                                        1 year ago
                                      • Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every level of your home and near every sleeping area. It is especially important to have one near bedrooms, as people are especially vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning when they are sleeping.
                                        • fiyori
                                          Where to position carbon monoxide alarm?
                                          1 year ago
                                        • Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location, away from windows and doors, in every sleeping area of the home. Additionally, they should be installed near any gas appliances, such as a furnace or stove.
                                          • crispus
                                            Where do you place carbon monoxide detectors in the house?
                                            1 year ago
                                          • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on every level of the home, outside of each bedroom, and near any space where appliances that generate carbon monoxide (such as a furnace or water heater) may be present. It is also recommended to place one in a hallway near the bedrooms.
                                            • zufan
                                              Where to hang carbon monoxide detectors?
                                              1 year ago
                                            • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed near any source of fuel burning appliances, such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, fireplaces, and charcoal grills. They should also be placed in or near bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, hallways, basements, and attached garages.
                                              • Rita
                                                Where should i mount my carbon monoxide detector?
                                                1 year ago
                                              • Carbon monoxide detectors should be mounted at least five feet above the floor in the center of the room, away from windows, doors, or vents that could allow fresh air to dilute the concentration of carbon monoxide.
                                                • stig
                                                  How high should carbon monoxide detectors be placed?
                                                  1 year ago
                                                • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed at least 5 feet above the floor and at least 12 inches away from any fuel-burning appliance.
                                                  • Judith
                                                    Where to install carbon monoxide alarm?
                                                    1 year ago
                                                  • Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Alarms should be installed at least 3 feet away from fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, gas water heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves to prevent false alarms.
                                                    • lawrence
                                                      What is the best location for a carbon monoxide detector?
                                                      1 year ago
                                                    • The best location for a carbon monoxide detector is outside of all bedrooms, near the ceiling and at least 15 feet away from any fuel-burning appliance, such as a furnace, water heater, or stove.
                                                      • HELEN
                                                        Where to hang a carbon monoxide detector?
                                                        1 year ago
                                                      • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed at least 5 feet above the ground in the middle of any living areas. Place one detector in or near every sleeping area of the home and add additional detectors if there are multiple levels or large living areas. They can be installed near the ceiling or on a wall.
                                                        • HANA
                                                          Where should you install carbon monoxide detectors?
                                                          1 year ago
                                                        • Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed on every level of your home, and one should be placed outside of each sleeping area. Additionally, it is recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors near any fuel burning appliances, such as furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and stoves.
                                                          • Laura
                                                            Where to install co detectors?
                                                            1 year ago
                                                            1. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every level of your home, in areas near or adjacent to sleeping areas such as bedrooms and closets.
                                                            2. Place at least one detector outside each separate sleeping area and on every level, including basements and attics.
                                                            3. Larger homes may need additional detectors.
                                                            4. Install a detector in the hallway or area near the furnace and other fuel-burning appliances.
                                                            5. If you have a fireplace, install a detector on the same level and near the fireplace.
                                                            6. Place detectors on walls or ceilings as high as possible, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
                                                            • damien
                                                              Where to place carbon monoxide detectors in home?
                                                              1 year ago
                                                            • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed near bedrooms, on every level of the home, and near potential sources of carbon monoxide such as fireplaces, gas appliances, and furnaces. If the home has multiple levels, a detector should be placed on each level and in each bedroom. It is also recommended to place a detector in the hallway outside of each bedroom.
                                                              • Tellervo Hiukka
                                                                Where to place carbon monoxide alarms?
                                                                1 year ago
                                                              • Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed on every level of the home and outside each bedroom. It is also recommended to place a carbon monoxide alarm in the hallway near any fuel-burning appliance, such as a furnace or water heater.
                                                                • ASMARA
                                                                  Where should carbon monoxide detectors be placed in the home?
                                                                  1 year ago
                                                                • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in the hallway near each bedroom, in the basement, near the garage, and near any appliance that uses natural gas, oil, propane, or wood.
                                                                  • ariam rezene
                                                                    Where to install co alarm?
                                                                    1 year ago
                                                                  • Co alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area or in any room or area where fossil-fuel burning appliances are located, such as a furnace room or kitchen. Co alarms should be mounted at least 5 feet above the ground, as well as at least 15 inches away from any walls or corners. Additionally, if installing multiple co alarms, be sure to install them at least 20 feet apart from one another to ensure proper coverage.
                                                                    • abigail
                                                                      Where should carbon monoxide alarms be placed?
                                                                      1 year ago
                                                                    • Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and in other areas where people spend a lot of time, such as near the furnace, water heater, and in attached garages.
                                                                      • esme
                                                                        Where to place carbon monoxide alarm?
                                                                        1 year ago
                                                                      • Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed on every level of your home, near or in sleeping areas, and near fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves.
                                                                        • J
                                                                          Where is the best place to install a carbon monoxide detector?
                                                                          1 year ago
                                                                        • The best place to install a carbon monoxide detector is anywhere near or in the sleeping area of a room or home, as this is where people are most likely to be affected by the odorless and colorless gas. Other ideal locations to install one include the hallway near the bedrooms, near the furnace, and near any fuel-burning appliances. Additionally, it is recommended to install a detector on each level of the home in order to maximize safety.
                                                                          • phillipp grunwald
                                                                            Where to place carbon monoxide detectors?
                                                                            1 year ago
                                                                          • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in a central location outside of each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Additional detectors should be placed in the main living areas, near gas appliances and in the garage. For the best protection, install the detectors at least 15 feet away from any fuel-burning appliances.
                                                                            • Tanta
                                                                              Where to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home?
                                                                              1 year ago
                                                                            • Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near all sleeping areas, as well as on each level of the home that has a fuel-burning appliance. If you have an attached garage, the detector should be installed there, too.
                                                                              • Phillipp
                                                                                Where do you place a carbon monoxide detector in your home?
                                                                                1 year ago
                                                                              • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed outside of each sleeping area and on each level of the home, including the basement. They should be placed near the ceiling and away from any drafts or air vents.
                                                                                • haile tekle
                                                                                  Where should i place my carbon monoxide detector?
                                                                                  1 year ago
                                                                                • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed outdoors or in any space where fuel-burning appliances are used, such as near a furnace, water heater, or space heater. They should also be placed on every level of your home, near bedrooms, and in other common areas.
                                                                                  • jens
                                                                                    Where are carbon monoxide detectors placed?
                                                                                    1 year ago
                                                                                  • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards.
                                                                                    • bernard
                                                                                      Where to place co detectors?
                                                                                      1 year ago
                                                                                    • Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in or near any room used for sleeping, as well as on each level of your home, including the basement. CO detectors should be placed away from any sources of moisture or steam, as well as away from vents and windows. If you have an attached garage, place a carbon monoxide detector on the wall or ceiling at the entrance to the house that opens directly into that space.
                                                                                      • tombur brandybuck
                                                                                        Where to place co detector?
                                                                                        1 year ago
                                                                                      • The best place to install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector is near the sleeping areas of the home, ideally outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. In addition, it is recommended to also install carbon monoxide detectors adjacent to attached garages, near gas-powered appliances and heating systems, and in other locations where CO may accumulate.