Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detector: Why You Need One and Where to Install It

In winter, heating boilers, water heaters, gas stoves, and often gas heaters all run simultaneously in homes, while windows remain closed. It is precisely during this period each year that cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and gas leaks are recorded.

A detector is an inexpensive device that will notice danger even when you are asleep or not at home. In this article, we will explain the difference between gas and carbon monoxide detectors, where each should be installed, and what to do if the alarm goes off.

Two Different Dangers: Gas and Carbon Monoxide

Many think these are the same thing. In reality, they are two different dangers, and each requires its own detector:

There are also combined detectors that detect both threats. When buying, ensure the device detects exactly what you need.

Why Carbon Monoxide is Especially Dangerous

You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. The first signs of poisoning are easily confused with a cold or fatigue:

• Headache and dizziness;
• Nausea, weakness, drowsiness;
• Confusion, difficulty breathing.

It is an alarming sign if several family members experience symptoms simultaneously, or if they subside when leaving the house. A sleeping person cannot notice these symptoms, which is why a detector is so important.

The most frequent causes of carbon monoxide are: clogged or damaged chimneys, faulty boilers or water heaters, poor ventilation, the use of a gas heater in a closed room, and heating a room with a gas stove. The latter is especially dangerous and should never be done.

Where to Install the Detector

The correct location for the detector is important: an incorrectly installed detector may fail to detect danger in time.

• A natural gas detector is installed high up, near the ceiling, because natural gas is lighter than air and accumulates at the top.
• A cylinder (LPG) gas detector should, on the contrary, be low, near the floor, because this gas is heavier than air and settles downward.
• A carbon monoxide detector is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions in the room where the gas appliance is located, and it is desirable to have it near the bedroom as well.

Where not to install:

• Directly above a gas stove or boiler, where steam and heat cause false alarms;
• Next to a window, door, or exhaust fan, where air currents disperse the gas;
• In bathrooms and other very humid areas;
• Inside a cupboard or behind curtains.

Every model has its own requirements, so be sure to read the instructions before installation, or entrust the installation to a professional.

What to Do if the Detector Goes Off

If a gas detector goes off:

1. Shut off the gas valve.
2. Open windows and doors.
3. Do not turn lights or electrical appliances on or off, and do not use fire.
4. Leave the apartment and call the gas supplier's hotline or 112 from outside.

If a carbon monoxide detector goes off:

1. Open windows and doors.
2. If possible, turn off gas appliances (boiler, water heater, heater, gas stove).
3. Leave the apartment and take everyone out, including pets.
4. If anyone has a headache, nausea, or other symptoms, call 112 immediately.

Do not turn the devices back on until a specialist has determined the cause.

Detector Maintenance

• Periodically press the test button to ensure the alarm is working;
• Replace the battery in battery-operated detectors on time;
• Do not paint or cover the detector, and carefully remove any dust;
• Replace the detector when the sensor reaches its expiration date.

The detector only notifies you of the danger; it does not fix the cause. You can best ensure the integrity of your gas appliances by having them checked once a year, before the heating season.

Prices: Detector Installation and Gas Appliance Services in Tbilisi

Prices cover labor only, excluding the detector and other materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

I will smell the gas anyway. Is a detector still necessary?

A special odor is added to natural gas, but you won't notice a leak while sleeping or away from home. Carbon monoxide has no odor at all, so only a detector can detect it.

Is one detector enough for the whole apartment?

A detector should be in every room where there is a gas appliance (boiler, water heater, gas stove, gas heater). It is also desirable for the carbon monoxide detector to be near the bedroom.

How long does a detector last?

The sensor has an expiration date, and the detector must be replaced every few years. The exact timeframe is indicated in the manufacturer's instructions.

Can I install it myself?

Attaching a battery-operated detector is not difficult if you follow the instructions exactly. A mains-powered detector or a model that automatically shuts off the gas must be installed by a professional.

A safe winter starts with a detector. A Profi Masters professional will install the detector in the correct location and also check your gas appliances.

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