As cooler weather approaches, now is a good time to begin thinking about your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season is underway, the Centers for Disease Control says the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning increases.
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a product of combustion your gas furnace uses to add warmth to your house. When your heater is operating as it should, the gas is securely vented outside of your residence. Cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to seep into your residence, where ongoing 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 emergency room 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 using a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s a solution available that matches for your residence and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, such as the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it straightforward to remain in control for keeping your loved ones safe. They’re frequently sold as combined 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 installing them in your house:
- Tells you there’s an issue through voice notifications, as well as alerts on your phone.
- Points out the problem spot, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be shut off from your phone.
- Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and explains findings through a comprehensive report on your phone.
- Notifies you of dead batteries with an alert on your phone, not a screeching noise in the middle of the night.
- Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the type.
The only issue with using Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price tag. These detectors are sometimes much higher-priced than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also include many helpful and worthy features you won’t find in a non-smart device.
When you’re getting a new device, it’s important to understand 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 because carbon monoxide can rise with hot air.
We encourage installing a detector on each floor of your house, as well as outside bedrooms. You’ll want to make sure the noise will wake you up.
Battery-Powered and Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Plug-in and battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors are the most reasonable. A couple of the most popular models are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors.
But they also have restricted features that aren’t compatible 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 every month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in need to be tested every week. If you’re unsure how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty straightforward. Press the button to ensure your detector is working.
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 change it once a month to avoid the annoying chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re getting a chirp or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it often signals 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 use. In general, it’s approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to read the instructions from your specific manufacturer.
If you’re wondering why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s often due to the fact it’s detected dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with constant, loud beeping, leave your residence right away and contact 911.
Now is a great time to ensure your carbon monoxide detector is running normally 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 Eveready Service Experts can provide support. Reach us at 804-548-4480 today and we’ll help you select the perfect carbon monoxide detector for your home.