Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors alert you when excess carbon monoxide gases are present in your home. This potentially deadly gas can be emitted by a variety of sources including your gas-fired furnace, hot water heater, fireplaces and wood stoves. But not all carbon monoxide detectors are created equal. It’s important to understand the differences between these detectors so you can ensure you have the correct detectors installed in your home. Approximately 200 lives are lost annually in the United States to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and 5,000 more are injured, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). These casualties could have been prevented with properly installed carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
Carbon monoxide detectors come in many brands and price ranges. Some plug into the household current, some are battery operated, and some come with dual power options. Each detector also comes with a different type of sensor. The hardwired or plugged-in CO detector has a sensor that continually samples the room’s air, while the battery-powered sensor reacts when there is too much carbon monoxide in the air. The best type of carbon monoxide detector is one that’s connected to the household’s electrical system and has a battery backup in case of a power outage. Choose the carbon monoxide detector that also has the Underwriter Laboratory’s UL certification under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 2034 standard for carbon monoxide detectors. The CPSC recommends at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home, with special attention given to sleeping areas.
Having dual-powered detectors provides the better of the various options, with continuous air sampling of the electrical detectors and a battery backup for power outages. Multiple brands are available at different price ranges.
Low level carbon monoxide detectors are ones that will sense and alarm below 15 parts per million. We sell low level detectors that read out as low as 5 parts per million.
Consider getting expert assistance, advice and installation when you’re considering carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Contact Climate Control Company for your family’s safety and comfort. We have been serving Western Colorado for the past 56 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about carbon monoxide detectors and other HVAC topics, please visit our website.
Climate Control Company services Aspen, Vail and the surrounding Western slope communities in Colorado.
