Your Ultimate Carbon Monoxide Detector Guide

According to The Mayo Clinic, “Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage or even death.”

TIP: The symptoms of carbon monoxide are dull headaches, general weakness, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision and loss of consciousness. If you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning, you should immediately get fresh air and seek medical attention.

Fuel-burning appliances such as gas furnaces and water heaters create carbon monoxide. The appliances vent the carbon monoxide and other combustion products outdoors through vent pipes or chimneys. However, certain conditions prevent proper venting, and the carbon monoxide backdrafts into the home. For example, a bird may build a nest in the vent pipe, blocking the carbon monoxide from venting out.

Space heaters are also a common source of CO in a home. Many space heaters, such as kerosene, are only for outdoor use or in well-ventilated areas. However, many homeowners resort to these heaters when their central heaters break down.

At a minimum, most building codes require a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of the home and in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. For example, a small two-story house would need at least two carbon monoxide alarms, with one in the hallway serving the bedrooms.

However, many industry experts also recommend installing one in each sleeping area (bedroom). Although multiple detectors can get expensive, this offers maximum protection and is the best way to prevent injury.

You can place the CO detector anywhere in the room. It is a myth that carbon monoxide is heavier than air and that sensors should be set low to the ground. Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and will fill the room evenly.

However, do not place a CO detector in a kitchen, bathroom or garage, as you may get false alarms.

There are three types of carbon monoxide sensors: metal oxide, biomimetic and electrochemical. However, all classes are tested and are reliable in detecting carbon monoxide. So the most significant difference will be in the features offered.

One of the essential features to consider is interconnectivity. If carbon monoxide detectors are interconnected, they will all produce alarm sounds even if only one detects high levels of CO. This is beneficial for simultaneously alerting everyone in the house. Although interconnected alarms used to require wiring them together, today, Bluetooth and WiFi replace the need for wires.

Another consideration is how the detector is powered. For example, battery-only models are the least reliable, as many homeowners neglect to install new batteries. On the other hand, plug-in and hard-wired models don’t rely on batteries but won’t work during a power outage. So plug-in and hard-wired detectors with a battery backup offer the most reliable protection.

Finally, you’ll want to consider if you want a CO detector with smart features. Several CO detectors on the market can be controlled with Alexa, a smartphone, or other smart home systems. This makes testing, monitoring and syncing your CO detectors much simpler. Plus, some also double as smoke detectors making protecting your home much simpler.

Installing a carbon monoxide detector is simple. Most come with a mounting bracket and the appropriate hardware. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions. After installation, you’ll need to test the detectors at least once a month. In addition, you should vacuum them monthly as dust build-up can block the sensors or give false alarms.

CO detectors have a lifespan of six to 10 years. All CO detectors manufactured after 2009 have an end-of-life alarm. If your CO detector is older than that, you should replace it.

A cheap no, frills, battery-powered model will run you about $20 to $30. However, a smart, feature-packed model can cost up to $200.

In addition to installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors, you can take some simple steps to prevent carbon monoxide in your home.

1. Get your heating system and water heater serviced every year: This includes your fireplace and chimney. Make sure you sweep your chimney at least once a year or hire a professional chimney sweep.
2. Do not use an oven to heat your house
3. Never leave a car running in an attached garage
4. Don’t use generators, camp stoves, outdoor heaters or any fuel-burning devices inside your home