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

As cooler weather gets closer, now is an excellent time to begin thinking about your residence’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season starts, the Centers for Disease Control says the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning goes up. 

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 residence. When your furnace is working like it’s supposed to, the gas is safely vented outside of your home. Cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your residence, where prolonged exposure can be fatal. 

Despite the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is avoidable, 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 issues, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can help your family is by organizing yearly 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 to work for your house and budget. 

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, including the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it simple to remain in control for keeping your loved ones safe. They’re frequently sold as dual-purpose carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can typically be synced with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi. 

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

  • Signals that there’s an issue through voice notifications, as well as alerts on your phone. 
  • Locates the problem room, such as the kitchen or basement. 
  • Can be quieted from your phone. 
  • Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and shares findings through a useful report on your phone. 
  • Notifies you of dead batteries with an alert on your phone, not an annoying noise in the middle of the night. 
  • Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the kind. 

The only problem with getting Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the expense. These detectors are typically much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also offer many useful and important features you can’t find in a non-smart device. 

When you’re buying a new device, it’s vital to know where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends 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 hot air. 

We encourage having a detector on each floor of your home, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be sure 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 affordable. 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 don’t work 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 every week. If you’re concerned about how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s more or less straightforward. Depress the button to be certain your detector is running. 

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 change it once a month to skip the irritating chirp in the middle of the night. 

If you’re hearing that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping regularly, it generally indicates it has a low battery. Or, it’s reaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors run depends on the brand you own. In general, it’s approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to review instructions from your specific manufacturer. 

If you’re concerned about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s frequently due to the fact it’s picking up hazardous amounts of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with constant, loud beeping, leave your home immediately and dial 911. 

Now is an excellent time to check your carbon monoxide detector is running properly 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 & Plumbing can assist you. Get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you select the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your residence. 

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