Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless – you never know when it is in your house. It is a danger that homeowners are likely to overlook when considering the safety of a home. The dangerous toxin can lead to death within minutes. To detect CO, you need the best carbon monoxide CO detectors. It is easy to think you are safe from CO if you do not burn charcoal in closed spaces. However, there are several household products and devices that produce CO. The detectors will sound an alarm when they detect even the lowest amounts of CO.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 150 people die in homes in incidences not related to fire. Every year, there are tens of thousands of carbon monoxide reports received by fire departments. Keep your home safe with the right device today. Read on.
Importance of Carbon Monoxide CO Detectors in Home Safety
Dangerous concentrations of CO can accumulate in your home without you detecting it. You will only realize there is a problem in your home when you become ill. The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of flu. Patients, therefore, can ignore the signs until the condition exacerbates.
The CDC estimates that up to 400 people die from CO exposure every year in the United States. These deaths can be prevented using the best carbon monoxide CO detectors. The device can detect particles of CO and smoke in your home and sound an alarm.
The best carbon monoxide CO detectors are simple devices that you can install without the need for a professional. Better still, they connect to your smartphone through an app so you can get instant alerts whenever an appliance in your home releases poisonous gas. Smart systems are even better as they integrate into a smart home system, making them easier to manage.
Fuel-burning appliances can produce smoke and CO. With the best carbon monoxide CO detectors installed in different parts of a home, you can tell which appliances need repairs. An appliance that produces a lot of smoke and CO is likely burning oil, which means it needs repairs.
To protect your family, you must have CO detectors every 10 feet in your rooms.
What is Carbon Monoxide and its Dangers?
Carbon monoxide forms due to incomplete combustion of fuels. It may also occur when an appliance burns oil instead of fuel. The gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. When inhaled, the gas combines with your blood hemoglobin. It occupies the space that oxygen should occupy in your blood. By combining with hemoglobin, CO obstructs the transportation of oxygen to body organs. When the body cannot use oxygen, asphyxiation occurs, and this can lead to death.
CO can remain in your body for hours. During this time, you will experience mild symptoms that exacerbate as time goes on. The effects of the gas depend on how much you inhale and for how long. Your health will also determine how fast the gas poisons you.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide in Homes
The best carbon monoxide CO detectors will ensure that your family is safe from CO. The gas results from poorly maintained or faulty appliances. Appliances such as stoves and water heaters can produce CO if poorly installed or ventilated. Devices that can produce CO in homes include:
- Furnaces and boilers
- Water heaters
- Wood burning and gas fireplaces
- Motor vehicles
- Grills
- Generators
- Power tools and lawn equipment
- Wood stoves
- Gas stoves and ovens
- Tobacco smoke
- Clothes dryers
The concentration of CO indoors should be the same as outdoors for it to be within safe levels. Levels of co should not exceed the national standard of 9 parts per million (ppm). CO levels are higher in urban areas compared to rural areas.
The best carbon monoxide CO detectors notify you of increasing CO levels in a home. However, the device does purify the home. As such, you must take the necessary measures to keep the levels down. You can do that through:
- Properly maintain and vent fuel-burning appliances. Without proper ventilation, fuel-burning appliances will keep triggering the CO detector. The appliances should release their fumes outside the home. Again, have a professional check your appliances every year to stop any potential problems that may cause the release of CO.
- Avoid burning anything on the stove unless you have it properly vented. You also need to avoid heating the house with a gas oven.
- Do not run a generator inside the home in the basement or an enclosed space.
- If your garage is attached to your home, do not warm the car with the door to your home open.
Once you install the best carbon monoxide CO detectors, you will know which areas in your home release the most CO. If the system detects CO and sounds an alarm, you need to call 911 and wait from outside your home.
Health Risks and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
CO replaces oxygen in your blood. When organs in your body can’t get enough oxygen, you will experience shortness of breath, a mild headache, and nausea. These are the early signs that have CO in your home, but the signs are often confused with the symptoms of flu and other conditions. After exposure for more than an hour, you will experience:
- Chest pain
- Weakness and dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe headache
- Stomach upsets
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mental confusion
Immediately you notice the early signs of CO poisoning, call 911. If you wait until later, you may faint – which will make it challenging for you to call for help. If the levels of CO in your home are low, it may take longer for symptoms to show. However, the gas is still poisonous and can result in serious bodily harm when you inhale it for extended periods.
CO poisoning can affect anyone. The risks of poisoning are high in the winter thanks to the increased use of heating systems. Some groups of people are more at risk. These include:
- Developing fetuses
- Older adults
- Infants
- People with breathing issues, heart disease, and anemia
- People in high-altitude areas
- Smokers
Small-bodied people and pets will see the effects of CO earlier than larger-bodied people. Although most of the symptoms of short-term exposure will wear off within minutes, CO poisoning may cause life-threatening effects. After a long period of exposure, one may suffer complications such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Breathing difficulties
- Heart abnormalities
- Memory loss
The poisoning can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women or cause abnormal fetal development. If you are sleeping, you can die before you experience any of the symptoms above. As such, you must install the best carbon monoxide CO detectors.
Top 5 Best Carbon Monoxide CO Detectors
- Ecoey Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ecoey has only been on the market for a few years. The brand is energetic and keeps updating its devices to make them better. They focus on creating smart alarms for water, smoke, and CO. Their devices integrate into a smart home system, making them easier to manage.
Features and Benefits
- Electrochemical Sensors: Ecoey combines electrochemical sensors with accurate software controls to ensure you get accurate alarm times. The sensors can pick the smallest increase in the levels of CO to keep your family safe.
- Human Alarm Sounds: Instead of producing loud and scary sirens, the system produces <85dB at first and increases the volume gradually. This will avoid the confusion that may arise due to loud sirens.
- LED Indicator: The CO detector blinks a green light during normal operation when no traces of CO are detected. It blinks a red light when CO is detected, an alarm goes off, and a yellow light when repairs are needed.
- Test Function: The detector features an easy-to-press test button that allows you to manually test the working condition of the device. You can silence the alarm using the same button.
- Long Product Life: As one of the best carbon monoxide CO detectors, this device lives up to 7 years. The battery will need a replacement after a year or once the device shows a low battery warning.
Pros
- Easy to install by hanging or placing on the surface
- Comes with batteries that serve for a year
- Simple and clean design
Cons
- Battery door relatively challenging to close
2. Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor
The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor is a device for homeowners who need a device that integrates into a smart home system. However, the device doesn’t have a built-in speaker or Alexa built-in. Instead of sounding an alarm, it shows the levels of CO indoors. If you need the device to sound an alarm, you need to shop for an Echo device, or you can use the Alexa mobile app.
Features and Benefits
- Indoor Quality Monitor – The Amazon device is an indoor air quality monitor. It detects the particles in your indoor air and shows their levels, allowing you the chance to take the necessary action. Once switched on, the device measures particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, CO, humidity, and temperature. It is, therefore, a device for homeowners who need to track more than CO.
- LED Indicator – As an air quality monitor, the device shines an LED light that shows the air quality in your home. Check the Alexa app to see what levels of CO. Amazon uses an easy-to-understand quality score.
- Alerts on Your Phone – Because the device doesn’t have a speaker, you will get alerts on your smartphone through the Alexa app or an Echo device. These alerts are instant to protect you immediately when the levels of CO start to rise.
- Smart Home Integration – As a smart device, the Amazon monitor integrates into a smart home system, allowing you to control it through Alexa voice assistant. You can use one app to track all the smart devices in your home, including dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and this monitor.
- Simple Setup – Setting up the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor is a simple 3-step process. Plug in the device. Download and install the Alexa app. From the app, tap the devices you need to add by clicking the + icon. From there, you will see the air quality scores on the app.
Pros
- Can detect other impurities in air
- Shows an easy-to-understand score
- Sets up in less than 15 minutes
Cons
- No built-in speaker requires an Echo device sold separately
3. Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector
Kidde has some of the best carbon monoxide CO detectors on the market. Their devices are easy to install as all you have to do is place them on a shelf or mount them on a wall. The design is sleek to add to the interior décor in your home.
Features and Benefits
- Easy Installation – Plug the device into a 120v outlet, position it near common sources of CO, and it is good to go. It features 2-AA batteries that provide power to keep it running during a power outage – the batteries are in the package.
- 85dB Alarm – The device sounds an alarm at 85dB when it detects increasing CO. This is loud enough to attract your attention if you are in a different room.
- Test/Hush Button – After installation, you can test the device in a room that produces smoke. It features a button to test and silence it after the test. The button also comes in handy when a false alarm goes off. It will record the last testing or when it detected CO, allowing you to take necessary action.
- 10-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty – The 10-year limited manufacturer warranty gives you peace of mind, knowing that the device will serve you long enough.
Pros
- Long device life to give you value for money
- Comes with backup batteries
- Easy to install – just plug it in
Cons
- It is challenging to mount on walls
4. Siterlink Carbon Monoxide Detector
Siterlink uses modern technology to create the best carbon monoxide CO detectors. Their detectors are products of continuous innovation.
Features and Benefits
- Two Mounting Options – You can install the device by placing it on a tabletop or shelf, or you can mount it on a wall. Its portability makes it easier to use in different rooms at different times.
- Replaceable Battery – Each unit features two AA alkaline batteries you can easily replace. The batteries last for up to five years. There is a low battery warning that informs you when you need to replace the batteries.
- LED Indicators – The device features 3-colored LED indicators showing the working condition. Green indicates the normal working of the device; yellow indicates there is a fault; and red indicates the alarm is on. The power indicator flashes after 40 seconds.
- Audible Alarm – High levels of CO in the house will trigger an 85dB alarm to notify you of the danger. The alarm is loud enough to wake you up if you are sleeping.
- LCD Digital Display – You can monitor the concentration of CO in your house at all times on the digital display. The display also shows the battery status.
- Test/Silence Button – Before installation, you can test the device using the test/hush button. Press the button in a room burning fuel and see how well it works. You can use the same button to silence the device in case of a false alarm.
Pros
- Compact and easy-to-mount design
- Battery life up to five years
- Product life up to 10 years
Cons
- Relatively pricey
5. DAB-TEK Carbon Monoxide Detector
The DAB-TEK CO detector comes as a battery-powered device. It was designed as a portable CO detector that you can use for travel or home. This small design fits on your palm, and you can place it on a surface or mount it on a wall.
Features and Benefits
- Freestanding Design – You can place this portable CO detector on a desk or mount it on a wall. The design makes it versatile, so you can use it when you go camping or at home. Thanks to its portable size, you can bring it on trips anywhere around the world. To mount it on a wall, use the screws provided.
- Test-Silence Button – The device features a built-in test button that allows you to sleep soundly, knowing you are protected. It also features a low-battery warning informing you when to replace the batteries.
- 2 AAA Batteries – Install two AAA batteries (not in the package) to start using the CO detector.
- Electrochemical Technology – The device uses built-in electrochemical sensors that can detect even the slightest increase in the levels of CO in your house.
Pros
- Portable design for travel or home
- Can mounted on a wall
- Effective in detecting slight changes in CO concentration
Cons
- You have to buy the batteries
Types of carbon monoxide detectors
Finding the best carbon monoxide CO detectors for your home will protect your family from a slow death. Carbon monoxide is more dangerous when everyone is asleep. There are different types of these devices to choose from:
- Wireless CO Detectors – Most CO detectors run on AA or AAA batteries, which may be in the package, or you have to buy separately. You may only need to replace the batteries once in the life of the detector, but for some, you never have to replace the batteries. Most of the best carbon monoxide CO detectors feature low battery warning lights, so you can know when to replace the batteries. If the detector has a digital screen, the battery status will show on the screen.
- Plug-In CO Detectors – These detectors plug into a standard socket to keep your family protected at all times. Installing the devices involves plugging them in and positioning them where you need them. The best carbon monoxide CO detectors feature a battery backup to continue protecting you during a power outage.
- Combination/Multi-Function Alarms – Some carbon monoxide detectors have sensors for other impurities in a home. For instance, the Amazon Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor can detect up to five impurities. It monitors temperature, humidity, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. It also monitors and shows levels of CO, sending you alerts when the levels rise beyond normal concentration.
- Smart and Digital CO Detectors – The best carbon monoxide CO detectors feature an LCD screen that shows the levels of CO concentration at all times. From the screen, you can see the fluctuations of the concentrations to determine the next course of action. Smart devices, on the other hand, connect to voice assistants and smartphones. The Amazon Air Quality Monitor, for instance, sends you alerts and shows CO concentration through the Alexa app.
CO detectors can also be classified on the type of sensor technology they use. Here, you can pick between metal oxide, electrochemical, and biomimetric devices. Today, most devices feature electrochemical sensors. However, all these sensors are effective in detecting CO.
CO detector maintenance
CO detectors last for up to 10 years. Within that period, all you have to do is replace the batteries once or twice and keep them clean. Some devices feature a test/silence button that you can use to ensure they are still operational. Here are simple points to observe in the maintenance of carbon monoxide CO detectors:
- Test Alarm Monthly – Press the test button of the device every month to ensure that the alarm works. You can pick one day of the month to test it and do that routinely.
- Monitor Battery Condition – Depending on the brand of CO detector you have in your home, the battery might require replacement every six months. Some models can use one battery for up to five years. Check the status of the battery on the digital screen or observe the LED lights for a low battery warning.
- Clean the Device – When dirt accumulates on the device, it may affect its sensitivity to CO. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the device.
- Replace Worn-Out Detectors – Replace the CO detector after every five years. However, some will last for up to 10 years, so follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
Also Read:
- Top 10 Best Smoke Detectors Revealed [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
- Best Gas Leak Detectors in 2023 [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
Final Word
You need at least one of the best carbon monoxide CO detectors in each bedroom. Place one on each floor and in the basement to ensure your family is safe. Ensure that the device is five feet from the ground and you do not have it within 10 feet of gas and wood-burning appliances – this can trigger false alarms when the appliances switch on.
When shopping for a CO detector, consider the ease of installation and ease of use, how the detector is powered, smart and digital features, and interconnectivity. If you are keen on your devices, for instance, you can get a battery-only model. Hard-wired devices with a battery backup are less reliable during a power outage. Plug-in devices with battery backup are the best for people who want a device that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.