How to Know When You Need Gas Detectors?

Answer 1

If your home uses natural gas appliances or a natural gas heater, there is an inherent danger of leaking gas. Excess natural gas or carbon monoxide can cause everything from a house fire to asphyxiation. Using gas detectors can help protect you and your family from invisible gasses that can cause serious harm.

Natural Gas

Many ovens, clothes dryers, and furnaces use natural gas as their power source. As the appliances age, the possibility of a gas leak becomes more prevalent. A natural gas detector will sound an alarm if the levels of gas rise to a certain level in the house. You should place a natural gas detector in a central location so that it has the best chance of collecting gas fumes if there should be any. When you shop for a gas detector, look for one that can be mounted on the wall or ceiling.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide detectors are very similar to natural gas detectors. The difference between natural gas and carbon monoxide is that there is usually an odor related to natural gas while carbon monoxide is completely odorless. A good carbon monoxide detector should be mounted near the bedrooms of the house. Keep track of the batteries the same way you keep track of your smoke detector’s batteries. Try to find a carbon monoxide detector that has a different sort of alert than the other gas detectors or smoke detectors in your house so that you can tell from the sound what kind of action should be taken.

The Dangers of Undetected Gas

Undetected gas can collect in a home for hours or days. When it reaches a certain density it becomes dangerous to the home’s inhabitants. Natural gas is extremely flammable as well as difficult to breathe. Many homes that have slow natural gas leaks discover the problem because of unexpected kitchen explosions. Carbon monoxide is dangerous in a different way. As the gas collects and becomes toxic it simply puts its victims to sleep. When there is too much carbon dioxide present, people and animals will fall asleep and never wake up again. Simple and inexpensive gas detectors can help you avoid potential tragedy.