As fall gets closer, now is a good time to begin thinking about your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season begins, the Centers for Disease Control says the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning builds.
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a byproduct of combustion your gas furnace uses to heat your home. When your heating is working as it should, the gas is correctly moved outside of your house. 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 each year. And another approximately 50,000 people visit the ER because of related symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can safeguard your home is by setting up yearly maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, such as your furnace and water heater, and installing a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s an option available to work for your house and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, including the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it straightforward to remain in control for keeping your home safe. They’re frequently sold as combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can typically be used with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.
Here are a few other advantages of using them in your residence:
- Signals that there’s an issue through voice notifications, as well as alerts on your phone.
- Pinpoints the problem spot, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be shut off from your phone.
- Automatically checks its sensors and batteries and reveals findings through a full report on your phone.
- Informs you of low 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 type.
The only problem with installing Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the expense. These detectors are frequently much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also include many helpful and important features you can’t find in a non-smart device.
When you’re installing a new device, it’s crucial to learn 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 since carbon monoxide can rise with hot air.
We suggest installing a detector on each floor of your home, including 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 economical. Some of the most popular models 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 advises testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms once a month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in ought to be tested every week. If you’re unsure how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s more or less easy. Press the button to make sure your detector is functioning.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to change 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 getting that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it usually indicates it has a low battery. Or, it’s getting to the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors work depends on the brand you use. In general, it’s between 5–10 years, but make sure to review instructions from your specific manufacturer.
If you’re concerned about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s often due to the fact it’s picking up high levels of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with constant, loud beeping, leave your house immediately and call 911.
Now is a great time to ensure your carbon monoxide detector is functioning normally 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 Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning can assist you. Reach us at 215-278-9690 today and we’ll help you find the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your home.