As fall gets closer, now is a good 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 increases.
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace relies on to add warmth to your home. When your furnace is running properly, the gas is safely pushed outside of your residence. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your residence, where ongoing exposure can be lethal.
Regardless of the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die because of it each year. And another approximately 50,000 people are transported to the emergency room because of related ailments, like headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can protect your loved ones is by setting up regular 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 on the market that fits for your residence and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, such as the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it straightforward to remain in control for keeping your home safe. They’re frequently sold as duo carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can usually be synced with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.
Here are a few other advantages of having them in your home:
- Tells you there’s a problem through voice notifications, in addition to alerts on your phone.
- Reveals the problem room, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be quieted from your phone.
- Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and explains findings through a full report on your phone.
- Alerts you of dying batteries with an alert on your phone, not a loud noise in the middle of the night.
- Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the type.
The only problem with having Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price. These detectors are sometimes much pricier than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also offer many helpful and important features you don’t receive in a non-smart device.
When you’re installing a new device, it’s crucial to understand where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests placing a carbon monoxide detector at least five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is because carbon monoxide can rise with heated air.
We recommend having a detector on each floor of your home, including outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be certain 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 reasonable. Some of the most popular models are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors.
But they also have limited features that don’t work 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 suggests testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms every month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in need to be tested every week. If you’re unsure how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty easy. Depress the button to ensure your detector is functioning.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to replace the backup battery at least every year. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to change it once a month to bypass the annoying 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 approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to check instructions from your system’s manufacturer.
If you’re confused about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s usually due to the fact it’s detected hazardous concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continued, loud beeping, leave your home as quickly as possible and call 911.
Now is a great time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is working as it should before heating season arrives. If you need to set up furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at A1 Chesney Service Experts can assist you. Contact us at 587-315-5271 today and we’ll help you find the perfect carbon monoxide detector for your house.