Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Who else recommends it? Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. When it detects unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, it sounds an 85 decibel alarm which will wake up your family at night or alert you during the day. Your Browser Is No Longer Supported. Our top pick is the Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector for its great features, budget-friendly price, and easy installation. Proper installation is an important factor in receiving optimum performance. Carbon Dioxide Health Hazard Information Sheet. FIRST ALERT Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, The 8 Best Air Purifiers for Allergies of 2022, Best with Smart Features: Kidde Battery-Powered Carbon Monoxide Detector, Best Splurge: 2000-2022 Home Depot. Our top choice, the Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector, is reliable, affordable, and has a power failure backup mode. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best No, most simple carbon monoxide detectors cannot detect a gas leak. Charge Type: Wired | Added Features: Nightlight, Alexa-enabled, Bluetooth speaker. Category: Be sure to check the owners manual to be sure. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. But if you want something a little simpler and more affordable, experts love the Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Detector (view at Amazon) for its reliability, durability, and ease of use. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Carbon monoxide can only be detected by a CO alarm. It's important to follow these instructions exactly. If youre heating your home with a forced air system, when that cycles on it creates negative pressure that will pull air from around a leaky door [and] it can potentially pull carbon monoxide in and push it through your duct work, distributing it throughout your home.. The selected quantity is currently not available. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. Red LED - Illuminates when in alarm mode. As with any product, read the manufacturer's use and care booklet for installation and maintenance guidelines. Please add truevalue@message.truevalue.com to your address book. Loud 85 Decibel Alarm - Alerts of deadly CO gas. Power Source: Battery or hard-wired | Voltage: 1.5 volts | Digital Display: No | Smoke Detector: Yes, Detects carbon monoxide from anywhere in room. The carbon monoxide alarm shall be Kidde Model KN-COB-DP2 or approved equal. Its super easy to install and it runs with just two AA batteries. If the unit operates off a battery, test the detector weekly and replace the battery at least once a year. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Not only does it detect carbon monoxide, but it will also sense natural gas, methane, and propane as well. If youre worried about more than just carbon monoxide, this detector is the safety device you need to monitor for any hazardous gases in your home. As an email subscriber you will receive exclusive in-store offers, online-only coupons, and helpful project tips and advice. The unit shall contain an End of Life Notification.
Some have adaptors that allow you to mount their unit on another companys base without any major changes to your home. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Power Source: Hardwired (with battery backup) | Voltage: 1.5 volts | Digital Display: No | Smoke Detector: Yes. What do buyers say? The 3-pack from First Alert is available in a hardwired version with a battery backup to ensure that you are always protected. productslearn more about They can also alert you to smoke or slow, smoldering fires in your home. This means that you can enjoy the convenience of a battery-powered unit without ever worrying about changing the battery. (40% longer than other CO alarms). If you want to keep your family safe, you might want to look for a carbon monoxide detector that comes with additional features. This handy unit detects slow, smoldering fires, high levels of carbon monoxide, and heavy smoke. 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The Google Nest Protect is the most aesthetically-pleasing and high-tech option on this list, covering all of your home's safety needs in a futuristic-looking console that can be mounted on the wall and accessed via your smartphone. The sensor in this carbon monoxide alarm from First Alert can work no matter where the alarm is located in your room. Therefore, to help protect your family from both hazards, it's important to install both UL Listed CO alarms and smoke detectors. Google Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm at Amazon, FIRST ALERT Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector at Amazon, FORENSICS Car, Vehicle, Aircraft CO Detector at Amazon, FIRST ALERT Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm at Amazon, FIRST ALERT Onelink Safe and Sound at Amazon, First Alert Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detector at Best Buy, Best Overall: Carbon monoxide poisoning is the second leading cause of poisoning in the homethats how serious it is and common it is, explains Chuck Roydhouse, retired professional firefighter and president of the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Google Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Best Budget: The device connects to the entire Google Nest Family where you can control all your smart devices in one app. You can use this alarm plugged into a wall outlet (most of which happen to be at ideal levels to detect carbon monoxide), wall-mounted, or on a table. It is hardwired but also has a battery backup to make sure that even if you lose power, the unit itself still works. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas. Because safety is such a major concern, we recommend leaning toward a product that has two sources of power to ensure that you always know that your home is safe. This functionality is enabled only for desktop. It will also remind you to test the alarm in case checking it slips your mind, and, if you get the battery one, it will let you know when its battery is running low. In accordance with UL 2034, the CO sensor will not alarm to levels of CO below 30 ppm and will alarm in the following time range when exposed to the corresponding levels of CO. 70 ppm CO concentration 60 240 minutes 150 ppm CO concentration 10 50 minutes 400 ppm CO concentration 4 15 minutes. Learning the basics of fire safety is the. If pressed during alarm mode, the unit will be silenced and will begin monitoring CO levels again. The two power sources (plug-in and battery) and the digital display make it the top choice for us. Google Nest's Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm can be tested using your phone and sends alerts for testing. The alarm shall include a piezoelectric horn that is rated at 85 decibels at 10 feet. Ultimately, if your carbon monoxide detector is difficult to use, you arent going to use it. Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design. Please use an alternative browser to improve your experience and security. This will ensure that you hear the alarm no matter where you are. FORENSICS Car, Vehicle, Aircraft Carbon Monoxide CO Detector, The 8 Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2022, Best with Smoke Detector: The voice alert feature tells you which danger you need to take action to deal with in a calm, easy-to-understand voice. Test alarms every month to make sure they are working," she says. It operates on a battery, but you can still connect it to other Kidde products as part of a larger system if you want. I understand I may withdraw my consent at any time. Carbon monoxidealarms are the only way to detect this poisonous gas to help provide an early warning. Its also incredibly affordable, and if you want, you can even buy a pack of three to make sure you have enough for every floor of your house. This is especially important for those with gas appliances or utilities that could be a source of a carbon monoxide leak. Popular Mechanics and Bob Vila both picked the Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector. Use voice commands to. United States Department of Agriculture. UL Listed Listed by UL as a Single Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm. You also shouldnt put your detectors near the furnace room or any fuel burning appliances. Anybody could buy one for around $30 and have it installed in about two to three minutes. The End of Life Hush feature will allow the end of life chirps to be silenced for 3 day intervals for a total of 30 days. 
Of course, the most important thing is that your carbon monoxide detector is accurate. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), See how to install a carbon monoxide alarm in this video/project guide. We use your Zip Code to connect you to your closest store. Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. We use cookies to give you the best online experience. You can also purchase this reliable detector in a 6-pack if you have multiple homes to outfit. Do not put the detector inside the garage thoughjust in the area of the house near it. If you have a garage, you should place one near that area as well, especially if it adjoins the house. Privacy Policy Accessibility Statement Terms of Use, Our True Value stores are independently owned and operated. We chose this hybrid smoke and carbon monoxide detector as our top pick because it gives you the ability to test the alarm from your phone and it will send a full report to you when the test is complete. Want to join? We researched dozens of the most popular models available now, evaluating ease of assembly and installation, effectiveness, and value. You can also click any button to display current hazard levels. Even if you lose power, the batteries will ensure that the alarm still functionsand if you arent on top of changing the batteries, the continuous plug-in power is there, too. https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/g37368267/best-carbon-monoxide-detectors/, The Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors of 2022. All rights reserved. our process. Popular Mechanics. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Low Battery Hush - Silences low battery chirp warning for up to 12 hours in order to maintain protection without having to replace the batteries at an inconvenient time. How To Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector Project Guide, Need Help? 95% of 22,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. products. An official website of the United States government. Carbon monoxide detectors are important because not all sources of the gas are obvious and the gas is impossible to detect on your own. The volume definitely gets your attention. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home and inside each bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors generally last somewhere between five to seven years, though it depends on which type you buy. Once we got the battery in and the unit installed, we tested the alarm. However, there are some specialized gas leak detectors that detect explosive gases (such as natural gas, propane, or methane) that also detect carbon monoxidebut you need to get this kind of specialized, hybrid device like the First Alert Explosive Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detector (view at Amazon). FIRST ALERT Onelink Safe and Sound, Best with Gas Detector: Hardwired units are the most complicated to install, especially if you do not already have a base station with electrical wires run. Learn more about Regardless of how long it lasts, though, youll want to get in the habit of checking on it monthly to make sure its still working and youll want to change the batteries every six months or so. Michael Menna, DO, is a board-certified, active attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance. Are Home Pulse Oximeters Useful for COVID Recovery? It shall be powered by a 120V AC, 60 Hz source, along with 2 AA backup batteries. Thank you for signing up. 2 AA Battery Backup Provides continuous protection even during power outages. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Keep the detector out of the way of pets and children. "Katie Begley, Product Tester. Its also fairly compact and plugs straight into your outlet, though it is worth noting that it usually blocks the other outlet from use. What do I do if I suspect that combustion appliances are affecting my health. 2022 True Value Company, L.L.C. Weighing only two ounces, this super lightweight, portable carbon monoxide detector is perfect for taking with you on the go. It will remind you when its time for a test, alert you to low-battery, and seamlessly alert you on your phone in the event of a problem. All Rights Reserved 2022. Official websites use .gov Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Pay close attention to how sensitive it is and what levels of carbon monoxide it can detect. Create a personalized fire safety package for your home and ensure you have the proper number of alarms installed today. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Green AC power is present, normal operation. If your detector is wired or plug-in, youll want to look at devices that have a battery backup power source in case your power goes out because thats often when leaks go undetected. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. This is a pretty expensive detector and alarm, though, so just be ready to pay a hefty price for its advanced features and integration with your Google home devices. If these features appeal to you, look for detectors that pair with Google Home, Alexa, or that come with phone connectivity. You can check for exhaust leaks in your car, airplane, or you can simply use it on trips or for quick reads around your home. The Kidde KN-COB-DP2 plug-in carbon monoxide alarm with battery backup provides you and your family with a warning signal to protect against dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. The 2-AA battery backup provides protection even during power outages when many CO incidents occur. Like smoke detectors, CO alarms need to be tested regularly and cleaned as indicated in the manufacturer's use and care booklet.
selection will refresh the page with new results, Carbon Monoxide Alarm with 10-Year Battery and Digital Temperature Display. Here are the best carbon monoxide alarms. Event Memory - If the unit has detected CO concentrations of 100ppm or greater, the green LED will flash every 10 seconds. If you want a unit that can alert you to dangers from both fire/smoke and carbon monoxide, the Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector is easy to install, effective option. Crosswhite-Chigbue recommends, "The best way to protect your family is by installing battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup in your home outside separate sleeping areas and on each floor of your home." Those looking for a reliable carbon monoxide detector that will keep your home safe without any extra bells and whistles will appreciate the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector. How does a Carbon Monoxide Detector work? Test/Reset Button - Tests CO alarm circuit operation and allows you to immediately silence the alarm. Some detectors are much more sensitive to low levels of gas than others, which could save you precious time in an emergency. It shall include a 10 year manufacturers warranty. A lot of times, even if you start a car with the garage door up and you back the car out almost immediately, youll have residual carbon monoxide lingering in the garage space, explains Roydhouse.
[It] prevents you from going home and being exposed and it allows you to take action if pets, children, or elderly folks are in the home., Charge Type: Wired or Battery | Added Features: Smoke detector, Google Nest connectivity, smart features, phone connectivity, remote testing. Not only is this carbon monoxide detector also a smoke detector, but it also comes with smart features, including built-in Alexa, a Bluetooth speaker, and the ability to send push notifications right to your phone. These alarms can be linked together so that they will all sound, no matter where the unsafe levels of carbon monoxide are detected. Learn more, find a participating store, and enroll at TrueValueRewards.com. For more information, see - Carbon Monoxide's Impact on Indoor Air Quality, http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingswork/a/codetectors.htm, Carbon Monoxide's Impact on Indoor Air Quality. First Alert BRK 9120B-3 Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup, 3 Pack, The 8 Best and Most Reliable Smoke Detectors, What to Look for in a Carbon Monoxide Alarm, The Best Smart Smoke Detectors for Advanced Peace of Mind, For Best Protection, Position Smoke Alarms Correctly, The Best Emergency Radios for Staying Prepared and Safe, The Best Smart Blinds and Shades for Your Windows, Control Your Home's Temperature With the Best Thermostats, The Best Cordless Lamps for Outlet-Free Lighting, The Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Is Smart and User-friendly, The Best Smart Water Leak Detectors of 2022, The Best Programmable Thermostats That Work With Any HVAC System. Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation, Keep Your Home Safe With the Best Wireless Security Systems, Best Plug-In: A battery-powered unit is the easiest to install, since all you need is a place to hang the detector on the wall or set it on a flat surface. Battery Pull tab - Eliminates battery installation time. This is why buying a multi-pack of carbon monoxide detectors is so common and can save money. When it comes to a plug-in carbon monoxide detector, you want three thingsdependability, ease of use, and accuracyand this one has all three. Because carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly, a carbon monoxide detector is a must-have for every home. Proper maintenance shouldn't be taken lightly either since CO alarms are made to go off before carbon monoxide reaches fatal levels, "Replace batteries in alarms at least once every year. This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. It is a good idea to put a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home or near each bedroom. Its got an easy-to-read digital display that constantly displays carbon monoxide levels, as well as a button to recall the highest peak level of carbon monoxide in your home. Here are the best carbon monoxide detectors on the market today. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. By signing up, I agree to receive emails from First Alert regarding news, updates, offers and promotions. It also works with certain smart home devices, including Ring and Samsung SmartThings, and allows for an in-app experience. Best of all, it will notify you and 911 in the case of an emergency, even if you arent home. All you really have to do is open the packaging, add a 9V battery, and plug the detector in. Chuck Roydhouse is a retired professional firefighter, President of CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America). Hardwired systems can be a bit more challenging to install, but the First Alert combo alarm comes with adaptors to make it compatible with any other hardwired mounts that you already have. our process. What makes Kidde Nighthawk great is that theyre affordable and fast. From the Underwriter's Laboratory (http://www.ul.com/consumers/co.html): Although they may look and sound similar, CO alarms and smoke alarms are designed and intended to detect two separate, distinct hazards. Even though this carbon monoxide detector is battery-powered, the installed lithium battery is good for the 10-year lifespan of the alarm. Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when you change the clocks in the fall and the spring, Roydhouse says. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Your Browser Is No Longer Supported. Google Nest's Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Power Source: Plug-in | Voltage: 120 volts | Digital Display: No | Smoke Detector: No. Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. Most importantly, its a reliable and accurate smoke and carbon monoxide detector that has a pretty loud alarm to alert you to a problem. If you opt for a battery-powered device, make sure you check the battery levels frequently to make sure your detector is still functioning properly. JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. The 7 Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors to Keep Your Home Safe. Touch devices users use touch & swipe gestures. When the unit detects carbon monoxide, the alarm pattern will be four (4) short beeps followed by five (5) seconds of silence followed by four (4) short beeps. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. If you have a smart homeand dont mind the added expensethen the Google Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (view at Amazon) is the way to go. You can monitor the smoke and carbon monoxide levels remotely, receive alarms on your phone as well as via a voice alarm from the unit, and even check on the battery life. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best The CO sensor shall be of a fuel cell design and shall meet the sensitivity requirements of Underwriters Laboratories UL2034 Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms. 10-Year warranty: If your CO alarm was manufactured prior to 2013, it does not have a 10 year warranty. Some of the high-end models also connect to your smart home or mobile devices, offering another way for you to stay connected. Bob Vila. These combination units can be more expensive than a carbon monoxide-only detector, but still cheaper and easier to install than two separate CO and smoke detectors individually. Carbon monoxide detectors can be wired, battery-powered, plug-in, or some combination of both. Power Source: Battery | Voltage: AA batteries (1.5 volts) | Digital Display: No | Smoke Detector: No, Integrates with Google smart home products. Green LED - Indicates alarm is receiving power and operating properly. Charge Type: Plug-in | Added Features: Quick read digital display, backup battery, peak level button. You dont need anything overly expensive or fancy. Make sure that it installs easily and is easy to use when it comes time to schedule a test, check battery levels, or read carbon monoxide levels. While it doesnt have a fancy display, it will still provide the alarm that you need to ensure your homes safety against deadly carbon monoxide poisoning without breaking the bank. Be sure to check your inbox. Read our, Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector at Amazon, Kidde Battery-Operated Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm at Amazon, FIRST ALERT Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector at Amazon, Kidde Lithium Battery Carbon Monoxide Detector at Home Depot, First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector at Lowe's, First Alert Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector at Amazon, Best Overall: All Rights Reserved. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. However, there are some things to keep in mind. So if youre looking for something simple that will alarm you when theres a problem, any one of the options will work, no matter what the price point. Chuck Roydhouse is a retired professional firefighter, President of CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America). Pack a carbon monoxide alarmwhen traveling to help protect yourself and loved ones. icon First Alert offers a variety of CO detectors to meet your familys needs: Help protect your family from carbon monoxide with smoke detectors and CO alarms from First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety. It shows steps to install & maintain the alarm, including tools and materials, Firex Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector, AA Battery Backup, CO Detector, Firex Plug-in Carbon Monoxide, Propane, Natural and Explosive Gas Detector, 9-Volt Battery Backup & Digital Display, Firex Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector, 9-Volt Battery Backup and Digital Display, CO Detector, 10 Year Worry-Free Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup and Digital Display, 10 Year Worry-Free Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup, Digital Display, and Voice Alarm, 10 Year Worry-Free Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup, Digital Display, and Safety Light, 10 Year Worry-Free Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Hallway, Kitchen, and Living Room (3-Pack). Carbon Monoxide Alarms, By submitting, I confirm I have read and accept your. Carbon Monoxide Alarm AC Powered, Plug-In with Battery Backup, Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Indoor Air Quality Monitor, Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms, 120VAC, 60HZ, 60mA max 2-AV battery back-up, 10 year limited. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. For example, some are two-in-one devices that function as smoke detectors, while others can sense other hazardous gases.