As fall gets closer, now is a great time to begin thinking about your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season is underway, the Centers for Disease Control says the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning builds.
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a byproduct of combustion your gas furnace depends on to warm your home. When your furnace is working properly, the gas is securely moved outside of your home. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to appear into your house, where long-term exposure can be lethal.
Regardless of the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is escapable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. are killed by it every year. And another approximately 50,000 people visit the hospital because of related symptoms, like headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can safeguard your home 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 family safe. They’re often available as combination 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 installing them in your house:
- Alerts you that there’s trouble through voice notifications, in addition to alerts on your phone.
- Locates the problem area, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be shut off from your phone.
- Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and shares findings through a full report on your phone.
- Informs you of low batteries with an alert on your phone, not an annoying chirp in the middle of the night.
- Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the type.
The only downside of installing Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price. These detectors are sometimes much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also offer many beneficial and valuable features you won’t receive in a non-smart device.
When you’re installing a new device, it’s crucial to learn where to attach carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector approximately five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is due to the fact carbon monoxide can rise with heated air.
We suggest using a detector on each floor of your home, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be certain the alarm 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 couple of the most popular models are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors.
But they also have limited features that aren’t compatible 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 advises testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms each 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 more or less easy. Use the button to make sure your detector is working.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to swap the backup battery at least annually. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to change it once a month to bypass the dreaded chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re getting a chirp or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping regularly, it usually indicates 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 use. Typically, 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 likely due to the fact it’s picking up high amounts of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continuous, loud beeping, leave your residence immediately and contact 911.
Now is an excellent time to check your carbon monoxide detector is running like it’s supposed to before heating season starts. If you need to set up furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can assist you. Reach us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you select the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your house.