Smart vs. Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors: How to Choose the Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for Your Home
As autumn arrives, now is an excellent time to begin thinking about your residence’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 harmful gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace depends on to heat your residence. When your heating is running like it’s supposed to, the gas is securely pushed outside of your home. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your house, where ongoing exposure can be fatal.
Regardless of 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 hospital because of related issues, like headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can safeguard your home is by scheduling annual maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, like your furnace and water heater, and using a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s a solution out there that fits for your house and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it effortless to remain in control for keeping your home safe. They’re frequently available as combined carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can usually be linked with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.
Here are a few other benefits of using them in your residence:
- Tells you there’s trouble through voice notifications, in addition to alerts on your phone.
- Locates the problem room, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be shut off from your phone.
- Automatically tests its sensors and batteries and shares findings through a full 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 kind.
The only downside of installing Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the cost. These detectors are typically much higher-priced than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also include many useful and valuable features you won’t get in a non-smart device.
When you’re buying a new device, it’s important to understand where to attach carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency encourages installing a carbon monoxide detector at least five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is since carbon monoxide can rise with hot air.
We advise having a detector on each floor of your home, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be 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 economical. Some 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 tend to 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 ought to be tested weekly. If you’re wondering how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s more or less straightforward. 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 replace it once a month to bypass the annoying chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re noticing noise or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping regularly, it often signals it has a low battery. Or, it’s reaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors run depends on the brand you have. Most often, it’s between 5–10 years, but make sure to read the instructions from your system’s 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 constant, loud beeping, leave your home as quickly as possible and call 911.
Now is a great time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is working like it’s supposed to before heating season arrives. If you need to request furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Norrell Service Experts can assist you. Reach us at 205-267-0023 today and we’ll help you pick the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your home.
