As cooler weather approaches, now is an excellent time to start thinking about your residence’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 relies on to warm your home. When your furnace is working properly, the gas is securely pushed outside of your home. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home, where prolonged exposure can be deadly.
Despite 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 are transported to the ER because of related ailments, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can help your loved ones is by organizing 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 out there that fits for your home and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, including the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it easy to keep on top of keeping your home safe. They’re often available as combined carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can generally be synced with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.
Here are a few other perks of installing them in your house:
- Alerts you that there’s a problem through voice notifications, plus alerts on your phone.
- Pinpoints the problem room, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be shut off from your phone.
- Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and reveals findings through a comprehensive report on your phone.
- Notifies you of dead 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 type.
The only issue with installing Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the cost. These detectors are typically much higher-priced than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also provide many helpful and valuable features you don’t receive in a non-smart device.
When you’re getting a new device, it’s crucial to understand where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests placing a carbon monoxide detector around five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is due to the fact carbon monoxide can rise with hot air.
We encourage using a detector on each floor of your house, 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 few 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 link 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 recommends testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms every month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in should be tested once a week. If you’re wondering how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s fairly easy. Use the button to make sure your detector is functioning.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to swap the backup battery at least once a year. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to replace it once a month to avoid the annoying chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re noticing noise or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping intermittently, it generally means it has a low battery. Or, it’s reaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors work depends on the brand you own. Typically, it’s approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to read the instructions from your system’s manufacturer.
If you’re wondering why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s frequently due to the fact it’s detected high amounts of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continuous, loud beeping, leave your home as quickly as possible and call 911.
Now is an excellent time to check your carbon monoxide detector is functioning like it’s supposed to before heating season starts. If you need to request furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Comfortech Service Experts can assist you. Reach us at 601-852-3105 today and we’ll help you find the best carbon monoxide detector for your residence.