As autumn arrives, now is a good time to start 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 goes up.
Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a byproduct of combustion your gas furnace uses to warm your house. When your heater is operating as it should, the gas is correctly pushed outside of your house. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to appear into your residence, where prolonged exposure can be lethal.
Despite the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is avoidable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die because of it annually. And another approximately 50,000 people visit the emergency room because of related ailments, such as headaches, dizziness and vomiting.
The best ways you can protect your loved ones is by setting up regular maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, like your furnace and water heater, and using a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s a model available that matches for your residence and budget.
Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smart carbon monoxide detectors, including the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it simple to stay on top of keeping your home safe. They’re often available as combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can typically be synced with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi.
Here are a few other advantages of installing them in your home:
- Alerts you that there’s something wrong through voice notifications, in addition to alerts on your phone.
- Locates the problem room, such as the kitchen or basement.
- Can be silenced from your phone.
- Automatically tests its sensors and batteries and shares findings through a comprehensive report on your phone.
- Warns you of dead batteries with an alert on your phone, not a screeching noise in the middle of the night.
- Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the brand.
The only issue with using Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the cost. These detectors are sometimes much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also offer many useful and valuable features you don’t find in a non-smart device.
When you’re installing a new device, it’s vital to learn where to put 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 hot air.
We suggest using a detector on each floor of your home, especially outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be certain 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. A couple of the most popular styles are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors.
But they also have restricted features that aren’t compatible with your phone or smart home devices. They typically have a digital display and test button, which you’ll have to remember to use.
The National Fire Protection Association encourages testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms every month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in should be tested once a week. If you’re wondering how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s more or less easy. Use the button to ensure your detector is functioning.
If your detector is hardwired, make sure to replace the backup battery at least annually. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to swap it once a month to avoid the irritating chirp in the middle of the night.
If you’re getting that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping more frequently, it usually means it has a low battery. Or, it’s getting to the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors work depends on the brand you own. In general, it’s approximately 5–10 years, but make sure to check instructions from your specific manufacturer.
If you’re wondering why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s usually due to the fact it’s picking up high concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with constant, loud beeping, leave your residence immediately and call 911.
Now is an excellent time to ensure your carbon monoxide detector is functioning properly before heating season begins. If you need to schedule furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air can provide support. Contact us at 210-404-4233 today and we’ll help you select the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your residence.