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

As autumn arrives, now is a good time to start thinking about your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season begins, the Centers for Disease Control says the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning increases. 

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a product of combustion your gas furnace depends on to warm your house. When your furnace is operating as it should, the gas is safely pushed outside of your residence. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to seep into your house, where prolonged exposure can be fatal. 

Although carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die from it annually. And another approximately 50,000 people are transported to the ER because of related ailments, including headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can safeguard your family is by setting up yearly maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, like your furnace and water heater, and getting a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s a model out there to work for your house and budget. 

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it easy to remain in control for keeping your family safe. They’re often available as duo carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can usually be linked with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi. 

Here are a few other benefits of installing them in your residence: 

• Signals that there’s trouble through voice notifications, plus alerts on your phone. 
• Pinpoints the problem spot, such as the kitchen or basement. 
• Can be silenced from your phone. 
• Automatically tests its sensors and batteries and explains findings through a useful report on your phone. 
• Warns you of dying batteries with an alert on your phone, not an annoying sound in the middle of the night. 

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

The only issue with having Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the expense. These detectors are typically much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also include many beneficial and valuable features you won’t receive in a non-smart device. 

When you’re getting a new device, it’s crucial to know where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends placing a carbon monoxide detector around five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is since carbon monoxide can rise with warm air. 

We advise having a detector on each floor of your home, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be sure the beeping will wake you up. 

Battery-Powered and Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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

But they also have fewer features that aren’t compatible with your phone or smart home devices. They usually 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 once a month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in ought to be tested weekly. If you’re concerned about how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s more or less easy. Use the button to ensure your detector is running. 

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

If you’re getting noise or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping regularly, it usually means it has a low battery. Or, it’s reaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors last depends on the brand you own. Typically, it’s approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to read the instructions from your device’s manufacturer. 

If you’re wondering why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s usually due to the fact it’s picking up dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with steady, loud beeping, leave your residence right away and call 911. 

Now is a great time to check your carbon monoxide detector is working normally 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 A1 Chesney Service Experts can provide support. Contact us at 587-315-5271 today and we’ll help you find the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your home.