As fall gets closer, now is a great time to begin thinking about your house’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season begins, 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 byproduct of combustion your gas furnace depends on to add warmth to your house. When your heater is running as it should, the gas is safely vented outside of your home. Cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your house, where prolonged exposure can be lethal.
Regardless of the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is escapable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. are killed by it every year. And another approximately 50,000 people visit the emergency room due to related issues, like headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can protect your loved ones is by scheduling annual maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, like your furnace and water heater, and installing a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s a model out there that fits for your house and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, such as the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it easy to remain in control for keeping your loved ones safe. They’re usually sold as dual-purpose carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can typically be used with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.
Here are a few other perks of installing them in your house:
- Alerts you that there’s an issue through voice notifications, plus 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 reveals findings through a useful report on your phone.
- Notifies you of low 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 type.
The only downside of using Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price. These detectors are sometimes much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also provide many helpful and worthy features you won’t find in a non-smart device.
When you’re getting a new device, it’s important 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 since carbon monoxide can rise with hot air.
We suggest installing a detector on each floor of your house, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be certain 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 affordable. A few of the most popular models are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors.
But they also have restricted 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 advises testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms each month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in need to be tested weekly. If you’re wondering 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 swap the backup battery at least every year. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to change it once a month to skip the annoying chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re getting that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping regularly, it often 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. Most often, it’s around 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 often due to the fact it’s picking up high amounts of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with constant, loud beeping, leave your house right away and call 911.
Now is an excellent time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is working like it’s supposed to before heating season starts. If you need to set up furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Matz-Rightway can assist you. Reach us at 631-406-9220 today and we’ll help you find the perfect carbon monoxide detector for your residence.