Should Carbon Monoxide Detectors Be Placed in the Garage?

As a conscientious homeowner, you know to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your house. However, you may have overlooked placing one in the garage. Carbon monoxide from vehicle emissions is a clear and constant danger and is responsible for many preventable tragedies each year.

In fact, simply warming up the car while before you go to work in the morning can lead to a tragedy. There’s definitely a good reason to place one in the garage when you installing them for your home.

Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Carbon monoxide is more dangerous than many people know, mainly because it can kill in a matter of moments. The gas is odorless and often causes victims to become dizzy and pass out before they recognize the danger. Other symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, weakness, and mental confusion. As a result, early detection is absolutely vital to prevent serious injury or death.

Vehicle Emissions

All vehicles release a significant amount of carbon monoxide, and if they are left running in a closed garage, people can be poisoned by the fumes quite quickly. Even if the garage door is open, the fumes can leak into the car or truck and cause serious physical issues. A low level of exhaust fumes can be harmful over a period of time, leading to heart issues and brain damage. Protecting your family from this danger means installing a carbon monoxide detector in or near the garage.

Proper Placement

Your family will not be safe if you do not place the detector correctly. Experts recommend installing a detector in the garage or, in the case of a garage attached to the home, within ten feet of the door leading to the garage. If a room is located above the space, it needs to have its own unit as well. These detectors should be placed a few feet beneath the ceiling instead of on the ceiling itself to provide the most accurate readings. We hope this helped you understand why the importance of installing carbon monoxide detectors in your garage too. If you need help with garage door repairs or have questions, please feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to help.