Everyone knows how important it is to have a smoke detector at home. If you start a fire while you're sleeping, the smoke will set off your alarm and hopefully give you time to get out before the fire's deadly mix of chemical gases suffocates you.
But there is another gas that is potentially even deadlier because it cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced from the incomplete combustion of fuels, usually due to faulty appliances such as a gas boiler, gas fireplace, gas stove, wood stove or a clogged coal chimney. Sadly, this author was getting this silent killer - I lost a sister-in-law and her three dogs - so I'm doubly aware of how terribly dangerous this can be. Like an invisible ghost in a horror movie, he enters a room and slowly sucks the life out of its occupants without anyone noticing.
Fortunately, there is an early warning solution in the form of a carbon monoxide alarm, which costs a few dollars more than a smoke alarm. Be aware, however, that not all CO alarms are sensitive enough and some nameless brands are downright useless and therefore dangerous. Make sure you choose a trusted brand like FireAngel, First Alert, Kidde, Nest or Lifesaver.
We've selected a selection of CO alarms from top brands and tested them using the simple but effective "incense in a plastic bag" method. We also scoured the web for professional and user reviews to back up our findings. Read the facts and stay safe guys, stay safe.
The best carbon monoxide alarm: at a glance
- The best smoke and carbon monoxide detector connected to a complete app:protect nest
- The best combination of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:Sense X SC01
- Best Wi-Fi Connected Security System:FireAngel Pro Connected FP1820-W2-R
- Best cost-effective combination of smoke and CO detector:First alarm SCO5
- Best cheap CO alarm:lifeguard 5CO
How to Choose the Best Carbon Monoxide Alarm for You
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because you can't smell it, taste it or see it. Once it enters the bloodstream, it enters the red blood cells (hemoglobin) and prevents them from carrying oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include flu-like headache, dizziness and nausea, followed by fatigue, confusion, shortness of breath, weakness, loss of muscle coordination and, dare I say it, death. CO is so odorless that even dogs can't smell it.
How do CO alarms work?
The health effects of CO depend on the concentration and duration of exposure (carbon monoxide concentration is measured in parts per million). According to respected manufacturer of CO alarms Kidde, “A carbon monoxide alarm is a time-weighted alarm that measures the buildup of carbon monoxide in a home.
“For a person to feel the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, they would have to be exposed to 50 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide for eight hours. The reaction time of an alarm depends on the level of carbon monoxide in the air. For example, an alarm will sound after three and a half hours of continuous exposure at a level of 50 ppm, but after eight minutes of continuous exposure at a level of 400 ppm."
Carbon monoxide sensors have a limited lifespan of five to seven years, although some manufacturers claim their sensors last up to ten years. In general, it pays to play it safe and replace the alarm a year or two before the end of its useful life. Tests in the US have shown that alarms older than eight years can no longer detect CO above 400 ppm.
It's also important to note that the test button on these devices doesn't test the sensor, it just makes sure the circuit is working.
KEEP READING:The best wireless alarm systems to buy
What CO values are considered hazardous?
Most people will not experience any symptoms if exposed to CO levels below, say, 40 ppm for an extended period of time. It depends on the duration of exposure, but the real danger level starts around 400 ppm (two to three hours of exposure at this level can be fatal). To give you an idea of how dangerous higher concentrations can be, 1500 ppm can kill in an hour and 6000 ppm in 15 minutes.
All these levels are bad enough when you're awake and you realize something is wrong, especially when other people feel a similar effect, but when you're asleep, you can wake up with a throbbing headache and nausea and not even be able to think. about to crawl out into the fresh air. Even worse, you might not wake up.
Why should I care?
According to the NHS, 25 people die from accidental CO poisoning in the UK each year. For added peace of mind, it is recommended that you periodically check the chimney in your furnace, gas fireplace or wood/coal fire. And never use a gas lamp or stove inside a tent.
Where should I install my CO alarm?
Most manufacturers suggest placing the alarm next to or near a gas appliance, and it's worth having one in the same room as any fireplace or wood stove. It should be approximately 1.5m from the floor and at least 30cm from the ceiling, and most can be mounted on a bench, shelf or table, or simply on the wall.
Also, don't think that CO alarms are just for your home. They're essential for caravans and motorhomes, and you might even want to take one on holiday if you're staying in a cottage or accommodation with a kitchen.
Are there any features worth paying attention to?
In general, CO detectors are fairly simple devices. Only smart alarms or alarms connected to newer, more expensive apps really have significant features. The main thing to look out for is certification to British standards. CO alarms must be labeled for domestic use in accordance with EN50291-1:2018 and for domestic, boat or caravan use in accordance with BS EN 50291-2:2010. The second standard generally ensures that the alarm is robust enough for mobile use.
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Otherwise, the most important functions depend on whether or not there is a display and how the alarm is powered. An increasing number of CO alarms now have a display that shows the current sensor reading for CO particles in the air. However, to save battery life, you will only see this after a test or when the reading exceeds safe levels.
Until recently, most CO alarms were powered by a set of replaceable AA or AAA batteries that may need to be replaced every three to five years. However, many now use a sealed lithium battery that lasts the same life as the sensor; You buy the device and simply replace it when its useful life expires. This is arguably safer, and a new Scottish law will require landlords and landlords to install tamper-proof alarms with a long-lasting lithium battery or a CO detector connected to the mains from 2022, if there is a device that works with it. coal, like a boiler. or wood burning stove or fireplace – on property.
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The best carbon monoxide alarms to buy
1. Nest Protect: The best smoke and CO2 alarm complete with an app
Preis:£ 93 |Buy now at Argos
If you have a smartphone and can afford it, the Nest Protect is our carbon monoxide alarm, especially since it also detects smoke and works with an Android or iOS app. The Nest Protect is by far the most aesthetically pleasing alarm and the most polite when it comes to false alarms. It also has more technology than most, including a three-stage LED bulb to light the way in an emergency or when you get up in the middle of the night.
Nest Protect is very easy to set up: just remove the battery tab, launch the app, log into your Wi-Fi network, give it a name (kitchen, living room, etc.) and mount it on a suitable high wall .
Unlike other CO alarms, Nest notifies you (and anyone else registered) with a notification on your mobile device, even if you're in another country. The same goes for smoke as well. The main unit also issues a warning in a calm English female voice when it detects smoke or carbon monoxide in a room. If CO levels rise slowly, the voice will alert you before the alarm sounds. However, if CO levels rise dangerously, the center light will turn red and a very high-pitched beep will sound, along with a spoken alert letting you know which room is affected. You can temporarily cancel all alarms by holding the "Stop" button in the app or by pressing the device's center button.
The Nest Protect passed our smoke test with flying colors: the smoke alarm went off first, followed by the CO alarm five minutes later; According to the app, the CO level was 414 ppm and still rising. We can't think of a better CO alarm on the market right now, especially since it also detects smoke.
Main specifications - Shelf life:ten years;Battery Type:6 AA batteries;Advertisement:None (use smartphone app)
2. X-Sense SC01: The ultimate smoke and carbon monoxide detector combo
Preis:£ 30 |Buy now on Amazon
This combination smoke and CO alarm offers up to ten years of protection at an affordable price, thanks to a CR1 Lithium battery sealed inside the unit. That means you'll be throwing it all away once its useful life expires, but since CO sensors degrade over time, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's easy to install, while turning it on requires nothing more than sliding a switch on the base. After that, pressing the test button activates the LCD panel to confirm the current level of CO in the room.
This alarm combines a photoelectric smoke sensor with a Figaro electrochemical CO sensor, and the 85dB alarm tone should wake you up easily. Do you like the sound of an effective, easy-to-use alarm? Hate the hassle of changing batteries? This is the one to buy.
Main specifications - Shelf life:ten years;Battery Type:CR1 Lithium (sealed);Advertisement:LCD de 3 cm
X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with 10 Year Battery and Display, Dual Sensor CO Smoke Detector. Complies with EN 14604 and EN 50291, Auto-Check, SC01
£ 35,99 buy now 
3. FireAngel Pro Connected FP1820-W2-R: Best WiFi Connected Home Security System
Preis:£56 (CO alarm only), £158 (4-piece home set)|Buy Now from Robert Dyas
This carbon monoxide detector is part of FireAngel's new Pro Connected line of smoke, CO and heat detectors that connect to each other via FireAngel's dedicated Wi-Safe2 mesh networking system to provide app-connected whole-home protection. The idea is that if one unit detects a problem (CO, smoke or heat), all other installed units will sound their 85dB alarms at the same time. This means that no matter where you are in the house, there should always be at least one alarm within earshot, be it smoke, CO or sudden extreme heat. It also sends notifications to the iOS/Android app informing the user which sensor on the device was triggered. The system can support up to 50 devices on a single Wi-Fi circuit.
All Pro Connected products can be purchased separately and also function as standalone detectors. We received a package containing all three detectors (CO, heat, and smoke, each equipped with a lifetime lithium battery), and while it was tricky to set them up with the included Ethernet-connected wireless gateway box, they all sounded their alarms. the CO device with a few puffs of smoke.
FireAngel is a major player in the field of smoke, fire and CO detection, and this unique system is clearly a smart, albeit expensive, way to protect your entire home in one fell swoop.
Main specifications - Shelf life:ten years;Battery Type:built-in lithium;Advertisement:in apartment
FireAngel Pro Smart Connected Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Wireless Battery Powered with 10 Year Life, FP1820W2-R
33,45€ buy now
4. FireAngel CO-9D: A super sensitive and affordable carbon monoxide detector
Preis:£ 20 |Buy now on Amazon
This excellent battery model from FireAngel features a 1.5” LCD display that displays ambient temperature and carbon monoxide levels, even as low as 10 ppm.
This is a sealed unit with a seven year life/warranty and non-replaceable batteries. We suggest replacing the entire unit a little earlier, just to be on the safe side; You might want to set a calendar reminder in advance.
The FireAngel performed exceptionally well in our test and sounded the alarm when CO levels reached 357 ppm. However, the 85dB alarm was not as loud as others on this site, and this could be an issue for those with hearing problems.
FireAngel also makes a non-screen version (model CO-9X) which is a little less expensive but only costs a few pounds. Still, it's worth it if you don't mind an LCD screen or if you place multiple devices in different rooms of the apartment.
Main specifications - Shelf life:7 years;Battery Type:sealed;Advertisement:LCD de 4,5 cm
Fireangel CO-9D Digital Carbon Monoxide Detector Sealed for Life, White
25,36 £ (84,53 £ / kg) buy now
5. Kidde 7DCOC: Best CO alarm for camping and traveling
Preis:£ 30 |Buy now at Plumworld
Kidde makes a wide range of carbon monoxide detectors, but we like this one because, while it's a little ugly, it has a small LCD display that shows CO readings of 10 ppm or more. Kidde's sensor measures CO every 15 seconds and is highly sensitive: it's set to trigger its 85 dB alarm if carbon monoxide levels remain at 41 ppm for 60 minutes.
The 7DCO has a ten year shelf life and is BS EN 50291-2 certified for camping, caravanning and touring or even use on a boat. As with all CO detectors, Kidde offers end of life and battery warnings, as well as the mandatory test/reset button for your peace of mind. The only thing to note is that it runs on two AA batteries that need to be replaced every couple of years. We had no issues during testing, but that means this alarm doesn't comply with new Scottish regulations.
Main specifications - Shelf life:ten years;Battery Type:3 AA batteries;Advertisement:LCD
6. Kidde 5CO: Best cheap CO alarm
Price: £20|Buy now at Argos
This easy-to-use children's alarm replaces the old Lifesaver 5CO and now has an improved lifespan of ten years. Your sensor is set to sound the alarm after 60-90 minutes of exposure at 50ppm. At this point, you can expect a sharp wake from your 85dB siren. It doesn't have a display or anything fancy, but it's simple and easy to use, with bright red/green LED indicators and a loud warning when the batteries are low or the sensor is near the end of its life.
The only downside to this model is that it runs on a pair of AA batteries that need to be replaced approximately every three years and three changes over its lifetime. This isn't a huge problem, but it does mean that this model is not suitable for use in Scottish homes. However, it is suitable for use on a boat or caravan, making it a good choice if you need an alarm on your next boat or caravan trip.
Main specifications - Shelf life:ten years;Battery Type:3 AA batteries;Advertisement:none
Kidde 5CO battery operated carbon monoxide alarm, 10 year lifespan
£22,70 buy now
FAQs
Which is better battery or plug-in carbon monoxide detector? ›
Battery-operated units are much simpler to install and will not fail in a power outage. Plug-ins with battery backups are readily available, but given that gases rise, the standard placement of electrical outlets (near the floor) makes them imperfect receptacles for CO detectors.
Do cheap carbon monoxide detectors work? ›Yes, they do. They detect and alarm at lower carbon monoxide levels than a typical CO alarm. A typical CO detector alarms at 70 ppm after 60 minutes. A low level carbon monoxide detector will alarm at 25 ppm after 60 seconds.
Which is better Kidde or First Alert? ›First Alert has better features than the Kidde because of the alarm system with a verbal warning of the threat.
How many carbon monoxide detectors should I install? ›The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage. Each detector should be replaced every five to six years.
What is the best room to put a carbon monoxide detector? ›On every floor, including the basement. At least 10 feet from the garage door leading to your home. You should also place a sensor in the room above the garage. At least 15 feet away from gas-burning appliances, like fireplaces or stoves.
Where should you not put a carbon monoxide detector? ›A carbon monoxide detector should not be placed within fifteen feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms. For more information about carbon monoxide safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association.
What are the three types of carbon monoxide detectors? ›How does a CO detector work? There are three basic types of CO sensors metal oxide, biomimetic and electrochemical.
What should I look for in a carbon monoxide detector? ›Accuracy: Look for a statement on the package about the alarm's accuracy level. If the CO alarm is UL Listed, then the accuracy statement will have been certified by UL, too. Plug-in with Battery Backup: Easy to plug into any electrical socket, these alarms are powered primarily by your home's AC power.
Can I get a free carbon monoxide alarm? ›The fire and rescue services offer advice to help keep you and your home safe from fire and other hazards. They offer a home safety visit to those who need it. A visit includes free home safety advice and equipment. If needed, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms will be provided.
What are two warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning? ›The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you.
How do I know if my carbon monoxide detector is accurate? ›
To test accuracy, you can purchase a test kit that has a canister of CO. This lets you safely expose the alarm to a high level of dangerous gas, which should trigger an alarm. Keep in mind that CO detectors can take up to 30 minutes to sound an alarm after gas exposure.
Are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors reliable? ›CR's take: The hardwired Kidde KN-COSM-IBA CO detector performs very well. It receives top-level marks in our low-CO-level test and for the accuracy of its CO-level display, and a near-top-level mark in the high-CO-level test.
Are Kidde alarms any good? ›For the most affordable alarm, the Kidde Worry-Free 10-Year Smoke Detector is the clear winner. It is a fraction of the cost of many other alarms but still offers 10 years of reliable performance.
How long do Kidde alarms last? ›Kidde carbon monoxide alarms have a proven life of seven to ten years, depending on the model type. As of 2013, ALL Kidde carbon monoxide alarms have a 10-year life, with the following exceptions: Model KN-COEG-3, KN-COPE-I and KN-COPP-3. If your CO alarm was manufactured before 2013, it has a seven-year life.
Do bedrooms need carbon monoxide detector? ›You should place a CO detector in each major area of your home: in the kitchen, in your living/dining room, in your bedrooms, and the office. If you have children or elderly family members living with you, provide extra protection near their rooms.
What is the safe limit for carbon monoxide? ›The OSHA PEL for CO is 50 parts per million (ppm). OSHA standards prohibit worker exposure to more than 50 parts of CO gas per million parts of air averaged during an 8-hour time period.
How long should you keep a carbon monoxide detector? ›CO alarm life span
CO alarms have a life expectancy of around seven years. All CO alarms produced after August 1, 2009, have an end-of-life warning notification that alerts the resident that the alarm should be replaced. The CO alarm will beep every 30 seconds or display ERR or END.
Where Should You Place Carbon Monoxide Detectors? The best place to install a carbon monoxide detector inside an attached garage is within 10 feet of the door. You should put detectors in rooms located above the garage, especially bedrooms.
Is it a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in the home? ›It is strongly recommended for all occupied homes to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. It is especially important for homes with equipment like furnaces, stoves, generators, and gas water heaters to install carbon monoxide detectors to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Is carbon monoxide detector enough? ›Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
' Every home with at least one fuel-burning appliance/heater, attached garage or fireplace should have a carbon monoxide detector installed. The detector works to alert you that the poisonous gas is somewhere in the home.
What homes are at risk for carbon monoxide? ›
Homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are more likely to have CO problems Common sources of CO in our homes include fuel-burning appliances and devices such as: Clothes dryers. Water heaters. Furnaces or boilers.
Can anything else trigger a carbon monoxide detector? ›In domestic properties, your CO alarm can be triggered by any fuel burning appliance such as gas cookers, boilers and ovens. All of these appliances give off small traces of CO, but the levels can rise slightly when adequate ventilation isn't provided, or the venting is blocked or clogged by dust.
Do you need a carbon monoxide detector if you have no gas? ›If you are wondering if your home needs carbon monoxide detectors, the answer is pretty straight-forward. Anytime that you burn solid or liquid fuel for cooking, heating, or any other use, you absolutely need a CO detector installed in your home.
What is the difference between a CO detector and a co2 detector? ›Carbon dioxide detectors use infrared sensors to detect levels of gas in the atmosphere, whereas carbon monoxide detectors primarily use electrochemical sensors as well as gel sensors and metal oxide semiconductors.
How long does it take for a CO detector to detect carbon monoxide? ›It can take a standard carbon monoxide detector one hour to alert at concentrations of 70 ppm and below. CO detectors will respond to extremely high concentrations of 400 ppm and above in as little as four minutes.
How high should a First Alert carbon monoxide alarm be mounted? ›Five feet from the ground. Carbon monoxide detectors can get the best reading of your home's air when they are placed five feet from the ground. Near every sleeping area. If your CO levels get too high during the nighttime, it's important that detectors can be heard by everyone sleeping in your home.
What color should my carbon monoxide detector be? ›| Color | Voice notification | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Red | “Highest carbon monoxide level was [Number] PPM.” | Emergency warnings |
| Yellow | “Detector error.” | Possible malfunction or low battery |
| “Alarm has reached its End of Life. Replace Alarm in [Location].” | ||
| White | N/A | Power indicator and nightlight |
Some fire departments will install battery-operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost. Contact your local fire department's non-emergency phone number for more information.
Can over 60s get free smoke alarms? ›There isn't currently a government scheme to provide free smoke detectors for older people. However, you can ask your local fire service whether they could provide and fit a free smoke detector as part of their home safety schemes – in some areas this is known as a Safe and Well visit.
What to do if carbon monoxide alarm goes off in middle of night? ›Do not ignore the alarm. Assume it is working properly and there are unsafe levels of carbon monoxide in your home. All people and pets should quickly evacuate the home and find fresh air. Call 911 immediately and report that the alarm has gone off.
What are the 3 most common causes for carbon monoxide poisoning? ›
- Let your car or truck idle in an enclosed space, such as a garage.
- Have a vehicle with a blocked exhaust system, such as by snow in the tailpipe.
- Use a kerosene heater or gas barbecue grill indoors.
Any of the following could be a sign of CO in your home: Floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob or oven, rather than a crisp blue flame. Dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances. Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
What kind of headache do you get from carbon monoxide? ›A tension-type headache is the most common symptom of mild carbon monoxide poisoning. Other symptoms include: dizziness. nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting.
Should my carbon monoxide detector have a green light? ›If the red or green light on your CO detector is illuminated, that's a sign that the unit has power. If the light is off, replace the batteries and follow the reset steps.
What does red light mean on carbon monoxide detector? ›Why does the red light flash on my carbon monoxide alarm? Do I have CO? On First Alert carbon monoxide alarms, the red light flashes to show the CO alarm is properly receiving battery power. If you do not see the red light flashing, change the batteries in the alarm immediately.
What does 5 beeps every 30 seconds mean on a carbon monoxide detector? ›One chirp per minute means CO detector batteries are due for replacement. Five beeps per minute signals the detector should be replaced.
Which is better battery or plug in carbon monoxide detector? ›Battery-operated units are much simpler to install and will not fail in a power outage. Plug-ins with battery backups are readily available, but given that gases rise, the standard placement of electrical outlets (near the floor) makes them imperfect receptacles for CO detectors.
What color should the light be on a Kidde carbon monoxide detector? ›Green LED - Will flash every 30 seconds to indicate proper operation. Red LED - Flashes in conjunction with the alarm sounding. End of Life Signal – Ten years after initial power, the unit will “chirp” twice every 30 seconds to indicate the need to immediately replace the alarm.
Is there a recall on Kidde carbon monoxide detectors? ›...
Recall Details.
| Model | Alarm Type |
|---|---|
| 2070-VASR | Smoke |
First Alert has better features than the Kidde because of the alarm system with a verbal warning of the threat.
How many carbon monoxide detectors do I need? ›
The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage. Each detector should be replaced every five to six years.
Which is better smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector? ›A smoke detector essentially alerts sleepers when a fire breaks out during the night, while a carbon monoxide detector sounds when levels of this harmful, colourless and odourless gas are too high in your home.
Can Kidde alarms get battery replaced? ›Kidde recommends replacing the batteries in all of your alarms at least once a year, or any time the unit indicates that the battery is low. The general rule is to replace the battery twice a year: once when you switch to daylight savings time, and once when you switch back to daylight standard time.
Do Kidde alarms have cameras? ›The camera comes with a magnetic base and a detachable privacy shield. Once the RemoteLync is placed, there are two ways to arm and disarm the camera. You can do it manually, using a slider on the home screen of the RemoteLync app.
Can a carbon monoxide detector go off for no reason? ›Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can false alarm for several reasons. False or nuisance alarms are when your smoke detector or CO alarm goes off, but there is no presence of smoke or carbon monoxide in your home.
What level of carbon monoxide sets off a detector? ›They are NOT required to warn of low-levels of CO. The UL standard requires detectors to alarm within 90 minutes when exposed to 100 ppm; 35 minutes when exposed to 200 ppm and 15 minutes when exposed to 400 ppm. Some detectors are more sensitive and will, when exposed for many hours, detect or alarm at lower levels.
How accurate is Kidde carbon monoxide alarm? ›CR's take: The hardwired Kidde KN-COSM-IBA CO detector performs very well. It receives top-level marks in our low-CO-level test and for the accuracy of its CO-level display, and a near-top-level mark in the high-CO-level test.
Why does my carbon monoxide detector go off in the middle of the night in my camper? ›Reason #3: Your RV CO Detector Is Running Low On Battery
It always seems to happen in the middle of the night and can drive you absolutely crazy! When your RV CO detector is running low on battery it will typically chirp once or twice every 30 seconds.
200 ppm: Within a couple of hours, you may start experiencing a slight headache, fatigue, nausea or dizziness. 400 ppm: After 1 to 2 hours of contact, a headache and nausea may occur; more life-threatening symptoms can occur after three hours.
Can a phone app detect carbon monoxide? ›The Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems Checklist mobile app inspects Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems using an iPad, iPhone, Android device, or a Windows desktop.
How can you tell if there is carbon monoxide in your house? ›
- Yellow or orange flames coming out of your gas appliances instead of the usual blue flame.
- Dark and sooty staining on or around gas appliances.
- Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
- Increased condensation on windows.
- Solid fuel fires burn much slower than usual.
Although you replace the batteries, carbon monoxide alarms don't last forever. They have a lifetime of 5 to 7 years, but it is important to refer to your user manual. After 5 to 7 years, replace the CO alarm completely.
What does the number on a carbon monoxide detector mean? ›Levels of carbon monoxide exposure range from low to dangerous: Low level: 50 PPM and less. Mid level: Between 51 PPM and 100 PPM. High level: Greater than 101 PPM even if no one is experiencing symptoms.