Smart vs. Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors: How to Select the Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for Your Residence

As fall approaches, now is a great time to start thinking about your residence’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season starts, the Centers for Disease Control says the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning increases.

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a product of combustion your gas furnace depends on to add warmth to your residence. When your heater is working like it’s supposed to, the gas is correctly transported outside of your home. Cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to seep into your home, where ongoing exposure can be lethal.

Despite the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is avoidable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die because of it annually. And another approximately 50,000 people are transported to the emergency room due to related ailments, including headaches, dizziness and vomiting.

The best ways you can safeguard your loved ones is by organizing regular maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, like your furnace and water heater, and installing a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s an option on the market that matches for your residence and budget.

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it easy to keep on top of keeping your home safe. They’re usually available as dual-purpose carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can usually be used with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.

Here are a few other perks of installing them in your home:

• • Alerts you that there’s a problem through voice notifications, plus alerts on your phone.

• • Pinpoints the problem spot, such as the kitchen or basement.

• • Can be quieted from your phone.

• • Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and reveals findings through a useful report on your phone.

• • Warns you of dying batteries with an alert on your phone, not a screeching noise in the middle of the night.

• • Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the type.

The only problem with installing Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the cost. These detectors are typically much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also provide many helpful and worthy features you don’t find in a non-smart device.

When you’re buying a new device, it’s crucial to understand where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency encourages putting a carbon monoxide detector around five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is because carbon monoxide can rise with heated air.

We advise using a detector on each floor of your home, as well as outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be sure the noise will wake you up.

Battery-Powered and Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Plug-in and battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors are the most reasonable. Some of the most popular types are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors.

But they also have limited features that don’t link with your phone or smart home devices. They generally have a digital display and test button, which you’ll have to remember to use.

The National Fire Protection Association urges testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms every month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in ought to be tested once a week. If you’re wondering how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty straightforward. Depress the button to be certain your detector is running.

If your detector is hardwired, make sure to change the backup battery at least every year. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to change it once a month to skip the dreaded chirp in the middle of the night.

If you’re hearing noise or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it often means it has a low battery. Or, it’s getting to the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors work depends on the brand you own. Most often, it’s between 5–10 years, but make sure to review instructions from your specific manufacturer.

If you’re confused about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s often due to the fact it’s sensing high concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with steady, loud beeping, leave your house as quickly as possible and contact 911.

Now is a great time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is working properly before heating season arrives. If you need to request furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you. Get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you select the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your house.