As cooler weather gets closer, now is a great time to get started thinking about your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season starts, the Centers for Disease Control says the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning builds.
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace relies on to heat your house. When your heater is operating like it’s supposed to, the gas is correctly pushed outside of your home. Cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to spill into your house, where long-term exposure can be lethal.
Despite the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is avoidable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. are killed by it every year. And another approximately 50,000 people go to the emergency room thanks to related symptoms, like headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can safeguard your family is by setting up annual maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, such as 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 house and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it effortless to stay on top of keeping your loved ones safe. They’re frequently offered as combined carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can generally be linked with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.
Here are a few other benefits of having them in your house:
- Tells you there’s trouble through voice notifications, as well as alerts on your phone.
- Locates the problem spot, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be silenced from your phone.
- Automatically tests its sensors and batteries and reveals findings through a comprehensive report on your phone.
- Informs you of low batteries with an alert on your phone, not an annoying noise in the middle of the night.
- Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the type.
The only issue with using Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the cost. These detectors are frequently much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also include many helpful and worthy features you can’t receive in a non-smart device.
When you’re buying a new device, it’s vital to understand where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector at least five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is since carbon monoxide can rise with warm air.
We encourage using a detector on each floor of your residence, as well as outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be certain 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 affordable. A couple of the most popular styles are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors.
But they also have restricted features that don’t work with your phone or smart home devices. They tend to have a digital display and test button, which you’ll have to remember to use.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms every month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in ought to be tested every week. If you’re concerned about how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s fairly easy. Use the button to ensure your detector is functioning.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to change the backup battery at least annually. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to replace it once a month to avoid the dreaded chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re getting that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it usually signals it has a low battery. Or, it’s approaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors last depends on the brand you own. Typically, it’s between 5–10 years, but make sure to check instructions from your system’s manufacturer.
If you’re wondering why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s often due to the fact it’s detecting high levels of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continued, loud beeping, leave your home as quickly as possible and dial 911.
Now is a good time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is functioning properly before heating season arrives. If you need to schedule furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Comfort Masters Service Experts can provide support. Get in touch with us at 847-250-6729 today and we’ll help you select the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your home.