Smart vs. Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors: How to Get the Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for Your Home

As fall gets closer, now is a great time to start thinking about your house’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season begins, the Centers for Disease Control says the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning goes up. 

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace depends on to add warmth to your home. When your furnace is running like it’s supposed to, the gas is safely pushed outside of your house. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to seep into your house, where ongoing exposure can be deadly. 

Despite the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. are killed by it every year. And another approximately 50,000 people go to the ER thanks to related symptoms, including headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can safeguard your loved ones is by scheduling regular maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, including your furnace and water heater, and using a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s a model out there that fits for your home and budget. 

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, like the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it simple to stay on top of keeping your loved ones safe. They’re frequently offered as dual-purpose carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can generally be linked with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi. 

Here are a few other perks of having them in your house: 

• Signals that there’s a problem through voice notifications, as well as alerts on your phone. 
• Reveals the problem spot, such as the kitchen or basement. 
• Can be quieted from your phone. 
• Automatically tests its sensors and batteries and explains findings through a comprehensive report on your phone. 
• Alerts you of dying batteries with an alert on your phone, not a loud noise in the middle of the night. 

• Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the type. 

The only downside of getting Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the expense. These detectors are often much more expensive than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also include many beneficial and valuable features you won’t receive in a non-smart device. 

When you’re getting a new device, it’s crucial to understand where to put carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency encourages putting a carbon monoxide detector approximately five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is since carbon monoxide can rise with hot air. 

We suggest having a detector on each floor of your home, as well as outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be certain the noise will wake you up. 

Battery-Powered and Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Plug-in and battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors are the most economical. Some of the most popular types 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 typically have a digital display and test button, which you’ll have to remember to use. 

The National Fire Protection Association advises testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms every month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in should be tested once a week. If you’re unsure how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s pretty easy. Depress the button to be certain your detector is running. 

If your detector is hardwired, make sure to replace the backup battery at least once a year. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to swap it once a month to avoid the annoying chirp in the middle of the night. 

If you’re hearing that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping intermittently, it usually signals it has a low battery. Or, it’s reaching the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors last depends on the brand you use. Typically, it’s between 5–10 years, but make sure to check instructions from your device’s manufacturer. 

If you’re confused about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s likely due to the fact it’s picking up dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with continuous, loud beeping, leave your house as quickly as possible and contact 911. 

Now is a great time to ensure your carbon monoxide detector is working properly before heating season arrives. If you need to schedule furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts can assist you. Get in touch with us at 226-773-3357 today and we’ll help you select the best carbon monoxide detector for your home.