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

As cooler weather approaches, now is a great time to begin thinking about your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season is underway, the Centers for Disease Control says the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning goes up. 

Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace relies on to warm your residence. When your heater is running like it’s supposed to, the gas is correctly transported outside of your residence. Cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home, where long-term 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 every year. And another approximately 50,000 people visit the hospital because of related issues, including headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can help your loved ones is by scheduling yearly 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 a solution available that matches for your home and budget. 

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it simple to keep on top of keeping your loved ones safe. They’re usually offered 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 perks of having them in your house: 

• Signals that there’s a problem through voice notifications, in addition to alerts on your phone. 
• Points out the problem area, such as the kitchen or basement. 
• Can be shut off from your phone. 
• Automatically tests its sensors and batteries and explains findings through a full report on your phone. 
• Warns you of dead batteries with an alert on your phone, not an annoying chirp in the middle of the night. 

• Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the kind. 

The only issue with getting Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the cost. These detectors are typically much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also offer many useful and important features you don’t receive in a non-smart device. 

When you’re getting a new device, it’s important to know where to attach carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector at least five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is because carbon monoxide can rise with hot air. 

We suggest using a detector on each floor of your home, as well as outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be certain 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. A couple of the most popular models are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors. 

But they also have restricted features that don’t link 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 encourages testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms once a month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in need to be tested once a week. If you’re wondering how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty simple. Depress the button to ensure 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 skip the dreaded chirp in the middle of the night. 

If you’re getting that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping intermittently, it generally means it has a low battery. Or, it’s approaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors work depends on the brand you have. In general, it’s approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to check instructions from your system’s manufacturer. 

If you’re confused about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s frequently due to the fact it’s detected high levels of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with constant, loud beeping, leave your house right away and dial 911. 

Now is an excellent time to ensure your carbon monoxide detector is working as it should 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 Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Reach us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you find the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your residence.