As fall gets closer, now is a good time to get started thinking about your home’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season is underway, the Centers for Disease Control says the potential of carbon monoxide poisoning increases.
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace uses to heat your house. When your heater is running properly, the gas is correctly vented outside of your home. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to seep into your residence, where prolonged exposure can be deadly.
Despite the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is escapable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die because of it every year. And another approximately 50,000 people go to the ER due to related symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can protect your loved ones is by organizing regular 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 to work for your residence and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, such as the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it simple to remain in control for keeping your family 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 benefits of using them in your residence:
- Tells you there’s an issue through voice notifications, as well as alerts on your phone.
- Reveals the problem area, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be shut off from your phone.
- Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and shares findings through a useful report on your phone.
- Warns you of dying batteries with an alert on your phone, not a loud 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 expense. These detectors are frequently much pricier than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also offer many useful and worthy features you won’t get in a non-smart device.
When you’re buying a new device, it’s vital to know where to place carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests putting a carbon monoxide detector at least five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is because 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 beeping will wake you up.
Battery-Powered and Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Plug-in and battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors are the most affordable. 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 suggests 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 pretty simple. Use the button to make sure your detector is functioning.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to swap the backup battery at least once a year. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to change it once a month to avoid the dreaded chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re getting noise or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it generally indicates it has a low battery. Or, it’s getting to the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors run depends on the brand you have. Most often, it’s between 5–10 years, but make sure to review instructions from your device’s manufacturer.
If you’re confused about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s usually due to the fact it’s sensing dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continuous, loud beeping, leave your residence right away and dial 911.
Now is a great time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is functioning like it’s supposed to 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Reach us at 440-252-1375 today and we’ll help you find the perfect carbon monoxide detector for your house.