How to Install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

A carbon monoxide alarm is essential for detecting carbon monoxide levels in your home. It is a good idea to install at least one alarm in your home, but it is best to install several carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home. The National Fire Protection Association, a national association dedicated to issues regarding fire safety and protection, recommends that a carbon monoxide, or CO alarm, be installed in a central location on every floor of your home and wired with other alarms and detectors so that when the sensor for CO presence goes off, all of your alarms will go off.

Many fire detectors come with a CO detector and alarm built in, so this helps you save on the cost of purchasing one. If you buy a smoke detector with a CO alarm, you can take care of two birds with one stone. In order to install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home, follow these steps and process for completing the installation. This installation is one of the easiest do-it-yourself tasks:

Step 1: Purchase a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Go to a home improvement center, hardware store, or other retailer that sells smoke detectors. Purchase a smoke detector that has a built in carbon monoxide alarm. These dual function detectors are commonly available at any hardware store. If you live in a home with multiple levels (including the basement level), you should purchase a dual smoke detector and CO alarm for each floor of the home.

Step 2: Map out the Location of the CO Alarm

Determine where you want to install the smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm on each floor of the house. If your home has a fireplace or other appliance that can emit CO, you should locate the alarm closer to that unit. Because CO gas is smokeless and odorless you want to make sure that your alarm is positioned as close as possible to detect any evidence of CO in the air and provide the appropriate alert for you and your family.

Step 3: Install the Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Once you determine the location for the detector and alarm combination, using a ladder, use the template that is provided with the smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm drill holes into the ceiling. Drill into the support beams above in order to anchor the screws and make it easier to attach the plate to the ceiling that will hold the smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm in place.

Take the screwdriver and secure the plate to the ceiling with the screws that came with the alarm. Twist the alarm on to the plate and press the tester button to make sure that it is working properly. Once you have successfully tested the carbon monoxide alarm, it should be ready for use in your home.