Carbon Monoxide Detectors Buying Guide: What You Need to Know
With this type of product, even if you are sleeping you can rest assured that your life is a little safer. It is the same in case of detecting high levels, will begin to sound with great power.
If you are sleeping, you will listen without problems. For this reason, you always have to buy a detector that has good sound power. A good idea is to buy a model that has a power of at least 85db.
Operation
The operation is very important to make sure that the detector will warn us when we really need it. Normally they are very easy to use, but before making the purchase make sure that its operation will not give you any problem. Most importantly, you always have to provide the assurance that it will work 24 hours a day without problems.
Size
It is very important to take into account its size, to avoid getting too much attention and can break the aesthetics of the area where it will be installed.
Not forgetting that batteries are very important. The detectors usually include long-lasting batteries that can have an autonomy of up to 10 years, that is, that you can forget about them while still working for your safety.
Right Type
You should not forget that a smoke detector is not the same as a carbon monoxide detector. According to experts, the smoke detector should always be installed on the ceiling to detect it better, while carbon monoxide detectors are recommended to be installed in the most dangerous areas, such as in the area where the cylinder or boiler is located. Of course, they always have to be away from children to prevent them from moving or manipulating.
Location
Normally these types of detectors are usually put in the kitchen, but if you want to have greater security, it can be interesting to buy more than one unit and put them throughout the house. This will ensure that your family is much more protected against carbon monoxide.
Maintenance
Don’t forget that the detectors give a lot of autonomy, as long as you take care of them. This means that from time to time you have to check that they work correctly and you should clean them. If you don’t clean them properly, they may not detect carbon monoxide well, so they wouldn’t give you good services. Cleaning is not complicated at all, as long as you buy a quality product.
Wrapping, carbon monoxide is harmful to your health and you must avoid it at all costs. So, using the above important factors or taking them into consideration, you can buy the best product that fulfills your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where should a carbon monoxide detector be placed?
The best location for a carbon monoxide detector is on a wall about five feet from the floor. This position allows it to measure the air at a height where people are breathing it. Alternatively, you can place it on the ceiling, about six inches away from the wall.
2. What causes a carbon monoxide alarm to go off?
Carbon monoxide alarms can be triggered by fuel-burning appliances like gas cookers, boilers, and ovens. These appliances release small amounts of CO, which can increase when there is limited ventilation or the vents are blocked or clogged by dust.
3. What leaks carbon monoxide in a house?
Carbon monoxide can build up in a home due to incorrectly installed or poorly maintained appliances, such as stoves, hot water heaters, and fireplaces. Poorly ventilated gas- or wood-burning appliances can also be sources of carbon monoxide.
4. What to do when carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, assume it is working correctly and that there are unsafe levels of CO in your home. Immediately evacuate the home along with all people and pets, and find fresh air. Call 911 to report the alarm and do not reenter the home until it is deemed safe.
5. What are two warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Two common warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache and dizziness. Other symptoms may include weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and flu-like symptoms. Breathing in a significant amount of CO can lead to loss of consciousness or death.
6. Do you need carbon monoxide detector in every room?
Ideally, carbon monoxide detectors should be placed throughout your home, similar to smoke alarms. It is recommended to have a CO detector in each major area of your home, including the kitchen, living/dining room, bedrooms, and office.
7. Can anything else trigger a carbon monoxide detector?
A carbon monoxide detector may be triggered by a malfunctioning water heater or furnace, which can result from improper ventilation, excess gas flow, or other issues. An obstructed chimney can also cause the detector to sound the alarm as the fumes become trapped inside.
Editor's Notes
During our carbon monoxide detector research, we found 25 carbon monoxide detector products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 649,603 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carbon monoxide detectors list. We found that most customers choose carbon monoxide detectors with an average price of $22.28.
The carbon monoxide detectors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carbon monoxide detectors, including FIRST ALERT, Kidde, Vzmcov, USBNOVEL. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.