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Carbon monoxide alarm
A carbon monoxide alarm detects carbon monoxide, an invisible gas that can make people sick or worse.
Why it matters
Carbon monoxide has no smell. Alarms provide early warning when combustion appliances or garages create risk.
Where people get this wrong
A smoke alarm does not always detect carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide risk can increase with poor venting or backdrafting.
Real-world example
A furnace venting issue starts on a cold weekend. No one smells anything, but people feel tired and get headaches. A carbon monoxide alarm is the early warning that can prevent a tragedy.
Where this hits your build
This matters during rough-in and before drywall. Once walls close, adding or moving wiring becomes expensive. Plan ahead.
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