Selecting The Right Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide detector is an important link in your home safety plan, if you heat your house or cook with natural gas. You need one as well if your garage is attached to your home by a direct entry. Get all the information you need to select a carbon monoxide detector for your home from these suggestions below.

Step 1: Determine if Your Home Needs a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Homes heated with natural gas, using gas appliances or having a garage attached with direct access from the home will start to develop carbon monoxide buildup, and need a carbon monoxide detector. If you use electric heat, electric appliances, and your home has either no garage or one that is completely separate from the house, you will not require a carbon monoxide detector.

Step 2: Assess the Best Locations for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Place detectors near the entry to the garage, and in the kitchen, if you cook with natural gas. Install one in the hallway near bedrooms in a house heated with natural gas. Carbon monoxide inhalation most often overcomes people when they are sleeping.  

Step 3: Select the Most Effective Type of CO Detectors

Biometric carbon monoxide detectors have an internal cell formed of synthetic hemoglobin, the substance in blood that captures carbon monoxide. The detector battery and cell sensor must be replaced every 3 years. The detector housing has an estimated performance life of 10 years.  After activation of the detector, the sensor cell should clear itself within a few hours, but this may take up to 2 days.  Remove the sensor cell and place it in a well-ventilated spot where it can get fresh air. If the sensor cell sounds the alarm again when replaced, it is defective, so replace that part of your detector at once.

Electrochemical CO detectors respond to different levels of carbon monoxide with different warning lights or audible alarms. Its self-recharging battery does not need replacement for the life of the detector, which is usually about 5 years.

A semiconductor carbon monoxide detector runs from your electrical system and has an electronic sensor, emitting an audio alarm when the CO concentration reaches unsafe levels. This model lasts between 5 and 10 years with no maintenance needed.

Look for several other features when choosing a carbon monoxide detector. These include a maximum CO level memory display, which can tell emergency responders how high the CO level is at once. Get a CO detector with a flashing LED light alarm if a family member has a hearing deficiency.  A model with a self-contained power backup will continue to work even in a power blackout situation.

Familiarize yourself with the different alarm sounds emitted by your carbon monoxide detector. Generally, loud long beeps will signal you to evacuate the house, while short repetitive beeps will indicate a malfunction of the device.

Check your carbon monoxide detector annually when replacing batteries in your smoke detectors. Both of these can keep your home safer, and may help you qualify for reduced rates on home insurance.