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

As autumn approaches, now is an excellent time to get started thinking about your residence’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season begins, the Centers for Disease Control says the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases. 

Carbon monoxide is a harmful 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 operating as it should, the gas is safely pushed outside of your home. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your residence, where ongoing exposure can be lethal. 

Regardless of 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 go to the ER thanks to related symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can help your family is by organizing annual 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 a model out there 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 keep on top of keeping your family safe. They’re frequently sold as combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can typically be used with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi. 

Here are a few other advantages of having them in your house: 

• Alerts you that there’s trouble through voice notifications, plus alerts on your phone. 
• Locates the problem spot, such as the kitchen or basement. 
• Can be shut off from your phone. 
• Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and shares findings through a comprehensive report on your phone. 
• Informs 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 brand. 

The only issue with having 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 provide many beneficial and worthy features you can’t find in a non-smart device. 

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

We suggest using a detector on each floor of your home, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to make 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. Some 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 usually have a digital display and test button, which you’ll have to remember to use. 

The National Fire Protection Association encourages testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms each month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in should be tested weekly. If you’re concerned about how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty straightforward. Use the button to make sure your detector is functioning. 

If your detector is hardwired, make sure to replace the backup battery at least every year. 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 noise or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping regularly, it often indicates it has a low battery. Or, it’s getting to the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors work depends on the brand you have. Typically, it’s approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to check instructions from your specific manufacturer. 

If you’re confused about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s usually due to the fact it’s detected hazardous concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continued, loud beeping, leave your house right away and contact 911. 

Now is a good time to check your carbon monoxide detector is working normally before heating season begins. If you need to request furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can provide support. Contact us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you pick the best carbon monoxide detector for your residence.