Top 5 Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Best Visual Alerts: First Alert Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Best Pack Options: Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Best Plug-In Detector: Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector Best Lifespan: X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Best Smart Detector: Google Nest Protect Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Best Visual Alerts: First Alert Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
This alarm offers two-in-one protection against smoke and carbon monoxide. In addition to its test and silence button, this device has two indicator lights—one for smoke and one for carbon monoxide. When one is detected, its designated light flashes to alert you of the problem. An alarm accompanies the flash unless you silence it with the button.
Key Features
Smoke and carbon monoxide detection Visual and auditory alerts Battery-powered design Seven-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that this detector was easy to install, had a loud alarm, and offered a lot of features. Those who were disappointed with the product said that it malfunctioned after a few months of use.
Best Pack Options: Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector
This battery-operated device alerts you of smoke and carbon monoxide. The device is UL-certified and features a test/hush button and a 10-year limited warranty. It also comes in larger packs of two, four, and six, allowing you to replace all of the detectors in your home at once. Key Features
Smoke and carbon monoxide detection Auditory alerts Battery-powered design 10-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised this device’s safety features, noise level, and ease of installation. Those who didn’t enjoy their purchase said that the product beeped randomly when there weren’t any contaminants in the air.
Best Plug-In Detector: Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector
The Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector can be plugged into any outlet in your home and moved around as you wish. This UL-certified device has a digital display to show you the carbon monoxide level in your room as well as a battery backup to ensure that it continues to function in the event of a power outage.
Key Features
Carbon monoxide detection Visual and auditory alerts Cord-operated design with a battery backup 10-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who enjoyed this carbon monoxide detector said that it was easy to install and provided peace of mind. However, some reviewers had difficulty utilizing the manufacturer’s limited warranty.
Best Lifespan: X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
This device protects your home from both smoke and carbon monoxide. It features a screen that shows you your carbon monoxide level in parts per million, an LED light that flashes red when a dangerous level is detected, and an alarm that starts when a contaminant is found in the air. All of these features are powered by a 10-year battery.
Key Features
Smoke and carbon monoxide detection Visual and auditory alerts Battery-powered design Five-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Most reviewers were satisfied with the detector, saying that it was well-made and a good value. A lot of customers appreciated the light indicator that was paired with the alarm. Those who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that mounting the device to a wall was difficult.
Best Smart Detector: Google Nest Protect Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector
This device has a sleek, modern design and connects to your smartphone. The manufacturer’s app offers an array of features, such as a reminder when the battery is low and an alert when the carbon monoxide level is high. The body of the device also has a built-in nightlight that activates when you walk under it.
Key Features
Smoke and carbon monoxide detection Visual and auditory alerts Battery-powered design Smart home integration Two-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Buyer’s Guide
Not every carbon monoxide detector is the same. Here are a few features that will vary from model to model.
Power Source
Carbon monoxide detectors are either battery-operated, plug-in, or hardwired.
Battery: These detectors work even if your power goes out because they run on standard batteries. However, the batteries only last about a year before they need to be replaced. The device will usually chirp to tell you when the batteries are running low. Occasionally, battery-operated detectors will use lithium batteries, which don’t need to be changed since they last for the entire lifespan of the detector. Plug-in: Plug-in models plug into an outlet. They usually come with a battery backup to continue working during a power outage. Hardwired: This type of detector is hardwired to your home’s circuitry. Similar to plug-in models, hardwired models don’t work during power outages unless they have a battery backup.
Function
Most smoke detectors detect more than just carbon monoxide. The most common second function you’ll find in a carbon monoxide detector is smoke and fire detection, but you can also find devices that detect natural gas.
Display
Some detectors have a digital display that allows you to determine if there’s any carbon monoxide in your home, even if it’s a small amount that won’t hurt you. If your carbon monoxide detector doesn’t have a digital display, it’ll likely beep when the level of carbon monoxide in the air reaches a dangerous level.
Alert Volume
The alarm on your detector should be loud enough to wake you up and to be heard from every part of the home. Most detectors have an alarm that’s at least 85 decibels. However, the alarm will be quieter from across the home, which is why it’s important to have more than one installed.
Interconnectivity
As previously mentioned, you’ll need to install several carbon monoxide detectors in your home if it’s relatively large. This will help you hear the alarm from anywhere in your home and ensure that you’re getting accurate carbon monoxide readings throughout your home. If you purchase several of the same model, you’ll be able to connect the devices to ensure that if one detects carbon monoxide, all of them will beep to alert you.
Lifespan
The sensors in your detector will typically wear out after five to 10 years. Consider replacing your device around this timeframe.
Who is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning?
If you have a carbon monoxide leak in your home, infants, young children, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems are at a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning look similar to those of the flu. You may experience the following if you’re exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide:
Dizziness Weakness Headache Upset stomach Vomiting Chest pain Confusion/disorientation
Am I supposed to test my carbon monoxide detector?
Yes. You should test your detector at least once a month. Most models will have a button on them that you can press. When you press that button, the device should sound the same alarm that would go off if carbon monoxide is detected.
Where should I put my carbon monoxide detectors?
You should have a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home and 15–20 feet from your furnace or another fuel-burning heat source. If you want more protection, you can place a carbon monoxide detector outside of every bedroom.
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