These checks do not replace the need for an annual checkup of the heating system before the start of the heating months. To protect your family against accidental CO poisoning, make sure the furnace and appliances receive annual checks by a qualified gas appliance or heating contractor. In addition, gas appliances, including stoves, clothes dryers, water heaters, and gas furnaces, are sources of carbon monoxide. For gas appliances, carbon monoxide is vented out of the house. However, sometimes the vent system is not installed correctly or does not work properly and forces carbon monoxide back into the house.
Automobiles are also a source of carbon monoxide.
For automobiles, the carbon monoxide from the exhaust is handled in this house by lowering the garage floor below the main floor of the house and placing vent holes at the bottom of the exterior garage walls for the carbon monoxide gas to escape. In many states, this is required by code. Since carbon monoxide is heavier than air, the alarm should be mounted low on a wall. Having an interconnected system betters the chance of hearing the alarm even if far away from the detector that sensed the problem. Install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.