Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide (CO) detector. These small devices play a critical role in protecting you and your family from CO, an odorless, colorless, tasteless, deadly gas. Yet, they are often overlooked until they start chirping or beeping.
At Brazil Sweeney Law Group, our dedicated legal team and experienced Minneapolis carbon monoxide poisoning lawyers understand the unique challenges and life-altering hardships victims face. We are not only committed to advocating for your rights, but to your safety and well-being as well. The first step in safeguarding your home and loved ones against carbon monoxide is to ensure your home is protected with CO detectors and that they are properly installed and maintained.
Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Expire?
Carbon Monoxide detectors don’t last forever. Over time their effectiveness decreases, and most will need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer. All detectors that were produced after August 1, 2009, have an end-of-life warning that indicates when it’s time to replace the unit. Check the back of your detector for exact indicators, but it should chirp every 30 seconds and blink a warning or display ERR or END. If your detector has not expired, it’s important to test it to make sure it’s still working properly.
How to Test Your CO Detector
You can buy a CO test kit wherever CO detectors are sold to test the sensor. However, a quick test to ensure the alarm is in working order and is receiving adequate electrical power should be performed every month.
- Press the “test” button on your CO detector and listen for the alarm to sound.
- If it does not sound, try replacing the batteries and test again.
- If the battery is sealed, there is no need to replace it. The battery is designed to last as long as the detector.
- Continued failure means it’s time to replace the detector.
What to Look for in a Replacement CO Detector
If your CO detector failed its monthly test or it’s past the expiration date, it’s time to buy a replacement. There are a lot of options, but some features that could help maximize your safety include:
- Digital display of CO levels
- Battery backup for continuous operation even during power outages
- Interconnected alarms that sound throughout the home if one detects CO
- Combination smoke and CO detection
Where to Install a CO Detector
Proper installation will increase the effectiveness of your CO detector(s). There should be a CO detector on every level of your home, including your basement and near any bedrooms. Since carbon monoxide is lighter than air, it’s recommended that you install them about five feet above the floor or at eye level. They can also be installed on the ceiling. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to exact placement, but in general, you will want to avoid placing it:
- Near fuel-burning appliances, such as fireplaces and stoves
- Right outside the door leading to your garage
- Any area with obstructed airflow
Legal Claims Involving Carbo Monoxide Poisoning
Having working CO detectors in your home is not just a safety measure. In Minnesota, victims of carbon monoxide poisoning have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. In the unfortunate event of a CO poisoning, the condition of CO detectors, compliance with safety regulations, and the circumstances leading to exposure could all influence a personal injury claim.
The personal injury attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group specialize in securing justice and compensation for CO poisoning victims. We understand the extensive forensic analysis, testing and research carbon monoxide cases require and will stand by you through the entire legal process, providing support and guidance every step of the way. Call now for a free, no-obligation case review and let us get to work for you. You don’t pay, unless we win.