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

As fall gets closer, now is a great time to get started thinking about your house’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season starts, the Centers for Disease Control says the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning increases. 

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a product of combustion your gas furnace uses to heat your home. When your furnace is working as it should, the gas is safely pushed outside of your home. Cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your house, where long-term exposure can be lethal. 

Although carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die from it each year. And another approximately 50,000 people go to the hospital because of related symptoms, including headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can safeguard your family is by scheduling yearly 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 on the market that fits for your house and budget. 

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, such as the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it straightforward to stay on top of keeping your home safe. They’re frequently offered as combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can typically be synced with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi. 

Here are a few other perks of having them in your home: 

• Alerts you that there’s trouble through voice notifications, as well as 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 reveals findings through a comprehensive report on your phone. 
• Notifies you of dying batteries with an alert on your phone, not a screeching chirp in the middle of the night. 

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

The only issue with installing Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price. These detectors are often much pricier than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also provide many beneficial and worthy features you won’t find in a non-smart device. 

When you’re installing a new device, it’s vital to understand where to put carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends placing 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 warm air. 

We encourage using a detector on each floor of your house, 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 types are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors. 

But they also have fewer features that don’t link 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 urges testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms once a month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in ought to be tested weekly. If you’re unsure how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s fairly straightforward. Depress the button to make sure your detector is running. 

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 swap it once a month to avoid the irritating chirp in the middle of the night. 

If you’re hearing a chirp 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 work depends on the brand you have. Typically, it’s approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to check instructions from your device’s manufacturer. 

If you’re wondering why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s likely due to the fact it’s detected dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continuous, loud beeping, leave your house immediately and contact 911. 

Now is a good time to make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working properly before heating season arrives. If you need to set up furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at McKinley Heating Service Experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 780-800-7092 today and we’ll help you select the best carbon monoxide detector for your home.