Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can become deadly in minutes. Every winter, families across Northwest Ohio rely on gas furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces — all of which can be potential sources of CO leaks if not properly vented. That’s why having professionally installed carbon monoxide detectors isn’t just recommended — it’s essential.
At Tin Man Heating & Cooling, we install and maintain CO detectors in homes throughout Bowling Green, Findlay, and surrounding Wood County communities. Our goal is to provide peace of mind by making sure you’re alerted at the very first sign of trouble. Call 419.827.5799 or book your installation online.
The effectiveness of a carbon monoxide detector depends heavily on where it’s placed. A poorly located unit may not detect dangerous levels of CO until it’s too late. That’s why fire marshals, safety organizations, and even Ohio building codes provide clear guidelines for placement.
Every level of your home
Install at least one detector on each floor, including the basement. Basements in Bowling Green and Findlay often house gas furnaces, water heaters, or laundry appliances that are common CO sources.
Outside each sleeping area
CO poisoning often happens at night while families are sleeping. Placing detectors in hallways near bedrooms ensures alarms will wake you before levels become dangerous.
Near major fuel-burning appliances
Furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and fireplaces all create CO as a byproduct of combustion. A detector installed 10–15 feet away can catch leaks quickly. (Too close, and normal startup fumes may cause nuisance alarms.)
By attached garages
In Northwest Ohio, many homes have attached garages where vehicles idle in cold weather. CO from even a few minutes of idling can seep into living spaces. Installing a detector near the entry point between garage and house is critical.
Follow manufacturer’s directions – Some detectors are designed for ceiling mounting, others for wall placement.
Avoid “dead air” zones – Don’t install right next to vents, windows, or fans that may prevent CO from reaching the sensor.
Keep detectors out of corners – Air circulation is weakest in corners, meaning CO may not be detected quickly.
Mount at breathing height – For plug-in units, outlets about 5 feet from the floor are ideal since that’s close to where people inhale air.
For most two-story homes in Wood County with basements and attached garages, a minimum of three detectors is needed: one in the basement, one on the main floor near sleeping areas, and one upstairs near bedrooms. Larger homes or those with multiple furnaces may require more.
Ohio law (effective 2022) requires CO detectors in newly built one- and two-family dwellings and in rental properties with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Even if your home was built before the law, installing detectors is strongly recommended for safety.
Not all detectors are the same, and the right option depends on your home’s size, layout, and needs.
Easy to install and affordable.
Require regular battery changes, which some homeowners overlook.
Good option for renters or temporary setups.
Connected directly to your electrical system with battery backup.
Provide continuous protection and don’t rely solely on batteries.
Often preferred in permanent installations and new builds.
Protect against both fire and carbon monoxide in one unit.
A popular upgrade in newer Wood County homes.
Wi-Fi enabled and send alerts to your smartphone.
Helpful for homeowners who travel or own rental properties in Bowling Green or Findlay.
Can integrate with smart home systems for added convenience.
Correct placement makes all the difference. A detector that’s plugged into a hallway outlet won’t protect you if carbon monoxide is building up in the basement near your furnace or by an attached garage. Our technicians know where CO is most likely to accumulate in Bowling Green and Findlay homes and place detectors for maximum coverage.
Code compliance protects your family and your home. Ohio safety codes require detectors in specific areas depending on your appliances and layout. We install according to code so you’re both safe and compliant.
Some detectors can connect with your HVAC. When professionally installed, advanced CO detectors can even shut down your furnace or boiler automatically if dangerous levels are detected — stopping the problem before it spreads through your ductwork.
Peace of mind before winter. You don’t have to wonder if your detectors are working. We test every unit after installation. Many homeowners choose to bundle detector installation with their annual furnace tune-up so both safety and comfort systems are ready for Ohio’s long heating season.
Even the best detectors don’t last forever. Most units have a lifespan of 5–7 years, with replacement dates clearly marked. In our experience, many Northwest Ohio homeowners are surprised to find that the detectors in their home are already expired.
We recommend:
Annual testing during your furnace inspection.
Battery changes at least once a year (unless using sealed 10-year models).
Full replacement at the manufacturer’s suggested date or sooner if the unit malfunctions.
Unlike smoke or natural gas, carbon monoxide gives no warning signs. It has no odor, taste, or visible color, meaning the only way to detect it is with a working alarm. Even small leaks can build up to dangerous levels indoors.
In our service area, we most often see CO risks tied to:
Aging furnaces and boilers in older Bowling Green homes with outdated venting systems.
Blocked chimneys or flues that trap combustion gases inside.
Gas water heaters in basements where ventilation is limited.
Attached garages in neighborhoods where idling vehicles or gas-powered tools can release CO that seeps into the living space.
Because so many Northwest Ohio homes rely on gas heating systems during long winters, the risk is higher here than in many warmer regions.
Since 1988, Tin Man Heating & Cooling has helped families across Bowling Green, Findlay, and all of Wood County protect their homes with reliable HVAC and safety solutions. When it comes to CO detectors, we don’t just sell you a unit — we ensure your entire home is covered, installed correctly, and maintained for years of protection.
Call 419.827.5799 today to schedule carbon monoxide detector installation in Bowling Green, Findlay, or anywhere in Northwest Ohio.