Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Detectors, and Monitors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most prevalent causes of death due to poisoning in America. It has been called the “silent and invisible killer” because it does not have a smell, color, or taste. Although there are many ways to prevent carbon monoxide leaks in your home, the key to protecting your family is to recognize when CO is present. That’s why every home with gas appliances like furnaces or a wood-burning fireplace should have a carbon monoxide detector, alarm, or monitor. It is the only way to know if you’re at danger.
Carbon Monoxide Device Types
The most common type of carbon monoxide devices are CO alarms or detectors. They work like your smoke and fire alarms, sounding an alert when it senses a dangerous level of carbon monoxide in the air.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Long exposure to low levels of CO can be as dangerous as short exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide. When looking for a CO Alarm or Detector, play close attention to the sensitivity of their sensors and invest in the highest quality you can afford.
Carbon Monoxide alarms are a life safety device designed to prevent lethal symptoms from CO poisoning. They are designed to tell you about high levels of CO in your home – low levels of carbon monoxide will not trigger CO alarms. At lower concentrations, it may take up to eight hours for the alarm to go off.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
High-quality Carbon Monoxide detectors are designed to detect the presence of low levels of carbon monoxide within your home. While more expensive, these quality detectors will alert you to a carbon monoxide problem in your home far earlier than a standard carbon monoxide alarm.
Carbon Monoxide Monitors
A carbon monoxide monitor functions differently – it actively monitors the amount of carbon monoxide in your air and gives you a digital readout. This system keeps you apprised when there are higher than usual amounts of CO in the air, even if those levels are not yet classified as ‘dangerous’.
Carbon monoxide alarms, detectors, and monitors help to keep your family safe; however, if you suspect that your furnace is not functioning properly or you detect strange smells, discontinue using the furnace and call your gas utilities or a licensed heating contractor like Your Plumber, Heating & Air.
And please note, carbon monoxide is produced by any fuel-burning device - the three main sources are a furnace, dryer vent, and fireplace. Even a wood burning stove that does not vent properly to the outdoors can cause carbon monoxide levels to sound off your detector or alarm.
Maintenance
Maintain your detector or alarm by testing it monthly, replacing the batteries as recommended by the manufacturer (we recommend every 6 months), and replace the unit every few years. Generally, the lifetime of a unit is 5-7 years.
Placement
Follow the instructions that are included with you specific CO alarm, detector, or monitor to determine the best location. Typically, an alarm or detector should be placed where everyone in the household can hear, such as near each bedroom, and on each level of the home. We also recommend any hallway that leads to a door that connects to an attached garage.
Detectors should not be mounted above or near fuel-burning appliances, such as wood burning stoves, that may emit trace amounts of CO. Also, do not install detectors in overly humid locations such as bathrooms. Keep detectors at least 15 feet from appliances and bathrooms.
For more information and safety tips to keep you and your family safe, check out the Carbon Monoxide safety flyer from UniSource Energy.
Your Plumber, Heating & Air is devoted to helping keep your home safe and comfortable, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
ADDITIONAL READING
News & Tips Article: How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home
CARBON MONOXIDE IS A COLORLESS, ODORLESS, POISONOUS GAS. IT IS PRODUCED BY ANY IMPROPERLY OPERATING FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCE IN YOUR HOME. KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE THIS WINTER. LEARN MORE