How to Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Conducting Preliminary Research

• 1

  Consider your home. Do you use gas appliances or electric? Does your house include an attached garage? If you use electric appliances and you don't have an attached garage, you don't need a carbon monoxide detector. However, if you use gas and/or you have an attached garage, you may want to consider using a carbon monoxide detector.

• 2

  Choose a detector that is UL certified.

Installing the Sensor

• 3

  Gather the following tools: drill, screwdriver, screws, tools to fish wires through walls.

• 4

  Read the installation instructions that come with the sensor.

• 5

  Locate the gas furnace.

• 6

  Using the drill and screws, mount the carbon monoxide detector to the ceiling near the furnace. If the detector is a stand-alone or wireless model, you're done.

• 7

  Drill a hole in the ceiling to route the detector's wire toward the system's control panel if your detector interfaces with your security system. Be prepared to drill holes into walls and route the wire through to get it to the control panel.

• 8

  Connect the wire to the proper input on the control panel.

• 9

  Repeat the steps to install sensors near your bedrooms and an attached garage.