As autumn approaches, now is a good time to begin thinking about your house’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season starts, the Centers for Disease Control says the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning goes up.
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace relies on to add warmth to your house. When your heating is running properly, the gas is correctly moved outside of your house. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to seep into your house, where ongoing exposure can be fatal.
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 are transported to the ER thanks to related symptoms, including headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can help your family is by setting up regular maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, such as your furnace and water heater, and using a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s a solution on the market that fits for your home and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it straightforward to keep on top of keeping your family safe. They’re often available as combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can generally be synced with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.
Here are a few other benefits of installing them in your residence:
- Alerts you that there’s something wrong through voice notifications, plus alerts on your phone.
- Reveals the problem room, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be shut off from your phone.
- Automatically checks its sensors and batteries and reveals findings through a useful report on your phone.
- Warns you of dying 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 problem with installing Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price tag. These detectors are typically much higher-priced than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also include many helpful and valuable features you won’t receive in a non-smart device.
When you’re getting a new device, it’s crucial to know where to put carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends putting 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, as well as 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 types 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 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 unsure how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s fairly easy. Press the button to be certain your detector is running.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to replace the backup battery at least annually. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to swap it once a month to bypass the irritating chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re getting that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it generally means it has a low battery. Or, it’s approaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors run depends on the brand you own. In general, it’s around 5–10 years, but make sure to read the instructions from your device’s manufacturer.
If you’re wondering why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s often due to the fact it’s detecting hazardous levels of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continued, loud beeping, leave your home as quickly as possible and dial 911.
Now is a great time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is working 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 Knochelmann Service Experts can help. Contact us at 859-905-0834 today and we’ll help you find the perfect carbon monoxide detector for your house.