As fall arrives, now is a great time to begin thinking about your house’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season is underway, the Centers for Disease Control says the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning goes up.
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace relies on to warm your home. When your heating is running as it should, the gas is safely vented outside of your residence. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your house, where ongoing exposure can be lethal.
Although carbon monoxide poisoning is escapable, 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 hospital because of related ailments, like headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can safeguard your loved ones is by scheduling regular maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, including your furnace and water heater, and getting a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s a model available that fits for your residence and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it effortless to remain in control for keeping your family safe. They’re usually offered as duo carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can typically be synced with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.
Here are a few other advantages of using them in your home:
- Signals that there’s an issue through voice notifications, in addition to alerts on your phone.
- Reveals 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 full report on your phone.
- Warns 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 issue with installing Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price tag. These detectors are typically much higher-priced than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also offer many helpful and valuable features you can’t get in a non-smart device.
When you’re buying a new device, it’s vital to know where to attach 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 since carbon monoxide can rise with hot air.
We encourage using a detector on each floor of your home, as well as 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 economical. A few of the most popular types 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 typically 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 wondering how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s fairly easy. Use the button to be certain your detector is running.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to replace the backup battery at least once a year. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to swap it once a month to avoid the dreaded chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re noticing noise or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it generally means it has a low battery. Or, it’s approaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors run depends on the brand you use. In general, it’s approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to check 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 detected dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continued, loud beeping, leave your home immediately and dial 911.
Now is a great time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is working properly before heating season arrives. If you need to request furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Rolf Griffin Service Experts can provide support. Contact us at 260-557-1275 today and we’ll help you select the best carbon monoxide detector for your house.