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

As fall approaches, now is an excellent time to begin thinking about your house’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season begins, the Centers for Disease Control says the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning builds. 

Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace uses to warm your residence. When your heater is running like it’s supposed to, the gas is securely transported outside of your house. Fractures in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to seep into your house, where prolonged exposure can be lethal. 

Despite the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is escapable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. are killed by it each year. And another approximately 50,000 people are transported to the hospital due to related issues, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can protect your home is by setting up annual maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, such as your furnace and water heater, and installing a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s an option on the market that matches for your house and budget. 

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it easy to remain in control for keeping your loved ones safe. They’re frequently available as combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can usually be used with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi. 

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

  • Tells you there’s an issue through voice notifications, as well as alerts on your phone. 
  • Pinpoints the problem room, such as the kitchen or basement. 
  • Can be shut off from your phone. 
  • Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and reveals findings through a full report on your phone. 
  • Alerts you of dead 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 using Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the cost. These detectors are frequently much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also include many useful and important features you won’t find in a non-smart device. 

When you’re getting a new device, it’s vital to understand where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector around five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is since carbon monoxide can rise with hot air. 

We encourage having a detector on each floor of your residence, as well as outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be certain 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 reasonable. A few of the most popular types are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors. 

But they also have fewer features that don’t work 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 recommends testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms once a month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in need to be tested once a week. If you’re unsure how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty easy. Use the button to ensure your detector is running. 

If your detector is hardwired, make sure to swap the backup battery at least annually. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to swap it once a month to avoid the irritating chirp in the middle of the night. 

If you’re getting a chirp or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping intermittently, it usually indicates it has a low battery. Or, it’s approaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors last depends on the brand you own. Typically, it’s around 5–10 years, but make sure to read the instructions from your device’s manufacturer. 

If you’re confused about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s frequently due to the fact it’s sensing hazardous concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with steady, loud beeping, leave your home right away and dial 911. 

Now is an excellent time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is working normally before heating season starts. 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 home. 

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