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

As autumn gets closer, now is an excellent time to start thinking about your residence’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season begins, the Centers for Disease Control says the potential 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 relies on to heat your residence. When your heater is operating like it’s supposed to, the gas is securely pushed outside of your house. Fractures in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to spill into your home, where prolonged exposure can be deadly. 

Regardless of the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is escapable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die from it each year. And another approximately 50,000 people visit the hospital due to related ailments, including headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can safeguard your loved ones is by organizing annual 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 an option out there that matches for your house and budget. 

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it simple to remain in control for keeping your family safe. They’re usually sold as combined carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can usually be used with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi. 

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

• Tells you there’s an issue through voice notifications, as well as alerts on your phone. 
• Reveals 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 full 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 problem with having Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the expense. These detectors are often much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also provide many useful and worthy features you can’t receive in a non-smart device. 

When you’re installing a new device, it’s important to learn where to put carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests placing 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 recommend using a detector on each floor of your house, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be certain the beeping 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 models 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 generally 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 every month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in should be tested every week. If you’re concerned about how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s fairly straightforward. Press the button to make sure your detector is functioning. 

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 replace it once a month to bypass the annoying chirp in the middle of the night. 

If you’re hearing noise or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping regularly, it generally signals 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 own. In general, it’s between 5–10 years, but make sure to review instructions from your specific manufacturer. 

If you’re wondering why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s usually due to the fact it’s detected high concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with steady, loud beeping, leave your residence right away and contact 911. 

Now is a good time to check your carbon monoxide detector is running like it’s supposed to before heating season begins. 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 provide support. Reach us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you find the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your home.