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

As fall arrives, 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 potential of carbon monoxide poisoning builds. 

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a byproduct of combustion your gas furnace uses to warm your house. When your heating is operating as it should, the gas is correctly transported outside of your home. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to appear into your home, where long-term exposure can be deadly. 

Despite the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die from it annually. And another approximately 50,000 people go to the ER due to related symptoms, like headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can protect your loved ones is by setting up regular 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 out there to work for your home and budget. 

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, such as the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it effortless to stay on top of keeping your home safe. They’re frequently sold as duo 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 home: 

• Tells you there’s a problem through voice notifications, as well as alerts on your phone. 
• Locates the problem spot, such as the kitchen or basement. 
• Can be quieted from your phone. 
• Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and shares findings through a useful report on your phone. 
• Alerts you of dying 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 brand. 

The only problem with using Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the expense. These detectors are sometimes much higher-priced than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also provide many beneficial and important features you can’t find in a non-smart device. 

When you’re getting a new device, it’s vital to know where to attach carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests installing a carbon monoxide detector approximately five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is since carbon monoxide can rise with warm air. 

We recommend installing a detector on each floor of your home, including outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be sure 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 affordable. A couple of the most popular styles 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 each month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in need to be tested once a week. If you’re concerned about how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty straightforward. Use the button to be certain 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 bypass the dreaded chirp in the middle of the night. 

If you’re getting that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it generally signals 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 have. Most often, it’s around 5–10 years, but make sure to check instructions from your system’s manufacturer. 

If you’re concerned about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s likely due to the fact it’s picking up hazardous levels of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with steady, loud beeping, leave your house right away and contact 911. 

Now is an excellent 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. Get in touch with us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you pick the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your residence.