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

As fall arrives, now is a great time to begin thinking about your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season starts, the Centers for Disease Control says the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning goes up.

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace uses to heat your home. When your heater is operating like it’s supposed to, the gas is securely transported outside of your home. Fractures in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to seep into your house, where long-term exposure can be fatal.

Regardless of the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is escapable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die from it annually. And another approximately 50,000 people visit the ER thanks to related ailments, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting.

The best ways you can help your loved ones is by organizing 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 a model out there that fits for your home and budget.

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it straightforward to remain in control for keeping your home safe. They’re usually sold as combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can typically be used with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.

Here are a few other perks of using them in your residence:

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

• • Reveals the problem area, such as the kitchen or basement.

• • Can be quieted from your phone.

• • Automatically tests its sensors and batteries and shares findings through a comprehensive report on your phone.

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

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

The only downside of having Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price tag. These detectors are frequently much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also provide many useful and important features you won’t receive in a non-smart device.

When you’re installing a new device, it’s vital to know where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests putting a carbon monoxide detector at least five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is due to the fact carbon monoxide can rise with warm air.

We recommend installing a detector on each floor of your residence, as well as 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. A few of the most popular types 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 tend to 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 ought to be tested weekly. If you’re unsure how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty simple. Use 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 swap it once a month to bypass the annoying chirp in the middle of the night.

If you’re getting a chirp or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it usually indicates it has a low battery. Or, it’s getting to 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 review instructions from your system’s manufacturer.

If you’re confused about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s often due to the fact it’s sensing hazardous levels of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continuous, loud beeping, leave your home immediately and dial 911.

Now is a good time to ensure your carbon monoxide detector is running 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 Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you. Contact us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you select the best carbon monoxide detector for your residence.