Carbon Monoxide Detectors: An Important Safety Feature For Your Home

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are essential in any house. They are the only things that can provide you with the protection you need from carbon monoxide, a potentially lethal and odorless gas.

If you have never purchased a CO detector before, you may be unfamiliar with the different types available and unsure of how to select a device. One popular model is the type that plugs directly into an outlet for its power source. These use solid-state sensors that measure the air’s CO levels every few minutes and set off a warning if they detect a rise. If you choose one of these detectors, make sure that it has a battery-powered backup to ensure that you have protection in the event of a power outage.

Another popular model is completely battery powered. This device opens up more possibilities in where you can place it, rather than being restricted to where outlets are located. They use passive sensors that are triggered when exposed to CO. They also come equipped with a warning that lets you know if your batteries are dying or if the sensor has been damaged.

There are also hybrid devices that work as both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These have to be hard-wired into your home’s electrical system and mounted to the ceiling, but they can help limit the number of safety devices you need installed in your home. Be sure not to buy a device that only serves one role and assume it does both; read the product specifications closely.

It's best to have a carbon monoxide detector installed by every bedroom and major gas-burning appliance, such as your furnace. They should be kept about 5 feet above the ground and no more than 15 feet away from the bedroom door, so that they can wake you from a deep sleep if need be.

To learn more about carbon monoxide detectors and how they help to keep your family safe, contact Santa Fe Air Conditioning & Heating today. We have proudly served residents of the Kansas City area since 1987.