As autumn arrives, now is a great time to get started 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 hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace relies on to warm your house. When your heater is operating as it should, the gas is correctly vented outside of your house. Cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to spill into your home, where ongoing exposure can be fatal.
Although carbon monoxide poisoning is escapable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die because of it annually. And another approximately 50,000 people visit the ER due to related ailments, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can safeguard your loved ones is by scheduling yearly maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, such as your furnace and water heater, and using a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s an option available that matches for your home and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, including the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it effortless to keep on top of keeping your family safe. They’re usually sold as dual-purpose 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 installing them in your house:
- Signals that there’s something wrong through voice notifications, plus alerts on your phone.
- Reveals the problem area, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be quieted from your phone.
- Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and explains findings through a full report on your phone.
- Alerts you of low batteries with an alert on your phone, not an annoying sound in the middle of the night.
- Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the type.
The only issue with installing Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price. These detectors are typically much higher-priced than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also offer 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 installing a carbon monoxide detector at least five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is since carbon monoxide can rise with warm air.
We suggest using a detector on each floor of your house, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to make sure 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 reasonable. Some 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 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 need to be tested weekly. If you’re wondering how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s fairly simple. Press the button to be certain your detector is working.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to replace the backup battery at least every year. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to replace it once a month to skip the dreaded chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re hearing a chirp or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping regularly, it often indicates it has a low battery. Or, it’s reaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors last depends on the brand you own. Typically, it’s around 5–10 years, but make sure to read the instructions from your device’s manufacturer.
If you’re confused about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s frequently due to the fact it’s sensing hazardous concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with steady, loud beeping, leave your residence right away and dial 911.
Now is a good time to ensure your carbon monoxide detector is functioning like it’s supposed to before heating season begins. If you need to set up furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Reach us at 321-428-7635 today and we’ll help you find the best carbon monoxide detector for your residence.