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

As autumn arrives, now is an excellent time to start thinking about your residence’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season starts, the Centers for Disease Control says the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning builds.

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace relies on to heat your home. When your furnace is running like it’s supposed to, the gas is safely transported outside of your residence. Fractures in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to appear into your home, where prolonged exposure can be fatal.

Although carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. are killed by it annually. 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 scheduling regular maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, such as your furnace and water heater, and getting 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, such as the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it simple to remain in control for keeping your home safe. They’re often available as duo carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can typically be used with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.

Here are a few other benefits of having them in your home:

• • Tells you there’s something wrong through voice notifications, plus alerts on your phone.

• • Points out the problem area, such as the kitchen or basement.

• • Can be silenced from your phone.

• • Automatically checks its sensors and batteries and explains findings through a comprehensive report on your phone.

• • Notifies you of low 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 getting Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price tag. These detectors are sometimes much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also offer many beneficial and important features you don’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 since carbon monoxide can rise with hot air.

We advise using a detector on each floor of your house, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to make 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 affordable. A few of the most popular styles 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 suggests testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms each month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in should be tested every week. If you’re unsure how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty straightforward. Depress 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 swap it once a month to skip the irritating chirp in the middle of the night.

If you’re getting a chirp or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping intermittently, it often signals 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 use. Most often, it’s around 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 usually due to the fact it’s sensing dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continuous, loud beeping, leave your house right away and contact 911.

Now is a great time to check your carbon monoxide detector is functioning like it’s supposed to before heating season begins. 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 help. Get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you pick the best carbon monoxide detector for your residence.