where should carbon monoxide detectors be placed

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement, and near sleeping areas such as outside each bedroom door to ensure the alarm can wake occupants if they are sleeping. Detectors should also be near or above any attached garage. They should be installed at about eye level on the wall or on the ceiling, roughly 5 feet above the floor, since carbon monoxide travels with warm air. It is important to avoid placing detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances or within 15 feet of heating, cooking appliances, or very humid areas like bathrooms, as this can cause false alarms or interfere with the detector's function. Instead, detectors should be placed at least 15 feet away from such appliances. Also, avoid installing them near windows, doors, or ventilation sources to ensure accurate detection of the air the household breathes. If only one detector is installed, it should be near sleeping areas and loud enough to wake everyone in the home. For larger or multi-story houses, placing a detector on every floor and in every bedroom offers extra protection. Manufacturers' instructions should always be followed for specific installation guidance, and detectors must be maintained regularly for proper function.