Carbon Monoxide Detector FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding carbon monoxide detectors. Later, there are some recommended detector models.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

CO (Carbon Monoxide) is an odorless and colorless gas, slightly denser than air, consisting of a single carbon atom and an oxygen atom. This tasteless gas is formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels, like gasoline, propane, charcoal, wood, etc. Carbon monoxide is one of the forming substances of ground-level ozone.

Why Is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?

Carbon monoxide is produced in a little amount in animal metabolism. It has some biological functions as thought. However, it is highly toxic. As we know, hemoglobin, present in our blood, carries oxygen and thus supplies the oxygen needed by peripheral tissues of the body. However, when present in the atmosphere at a higher concentration, carbon monoxide binds with the hemoglobin producing carboxyhemoglobin. As a result, the oxygen supply is reduced to different tissues of our body. 50% carboxyhemoglobin level may result in coma, seizure, and even death.

What Would Cause Carbon Monoxide in a Home?

Any home appliance that burns fuels or produces heat may be a possible source of carbon monoxide in a home. Such household appliances include gas fires, heating systems of a house, cookers, boilers, different types of heaters, including water heaters, etc. Open fires that use coal, oil, wood, gas, etc., are also a possible source of carbon monoxide.

What Is Carbon Monoxide Detector?

As the name suggests, a carbon monoxide detector is a device that detects the presence of Carbon Monoxide gas. It is also called carbon monoxide alarms as they alert the user when there is a presence of this dangerous gas in the air. As a whole, such a detector alerts the user about excessive carbon monoxide in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

What Happens If Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeps?

Based on the number of beeps, the indication varies. If the carbon monoxide detector beeps once every minute, that indicates a low battery. You need to replace the batteries of the detector then. If the beep is 5 times a minute, that indicates the end of life of your carbon monoxide detector. You have to replace the detector then. 3 beeps indicate that the detector is malfunctioning. You may need to relocate the detector or test its functionality. And if it does 4 beeps and a pause, that indicates an emergency. Carbon monoxide has been detected in your area, and you should get away from that area to fresh air. Also, you need to call 911. Some detectors have some additional patterns of beeping, but these are the major ones.

Where Should a Carbon Monoxide Detector Be Placed in a Home?

Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air. Also, as it is produced by heat, it tends to go up. Hence, it is found with the rising air. Therefore, carbon monoxide detectors should be placed at a considerable height from the floor, preferably 5 feet above. It can also be placed on the ceiling. Nevertheless, a carbon monoxide detector should always be placed away from heat sources. That includes a fireplace, kitchen, heaters, etc.

Do I Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector If I Have No Gas?

If your house is all-electric, means there is no use of combustible fuel or gas, there are usually no issues regarding carbon monoxide. Hence, you do not necessarily need a carbon monoxide detector. However, if there is a fireplace, or an attached garage, or cars, a carbon monoxide detector might be of help.

How Do I Know My Carbon Monoxide Detector Is Working?

In order to check whether your carbon monoxide detector is working, hold down its ‘test’ button till it beeps twice. After these beeps, release the button and then repeat the same. But this time, the detector will beep four times if it is working properly.

How Do You Know If Your Carbon Monoxide Levels Are Low?

Less than 50 ppm carbon monoxide is considered a low level. You will know that the carbon monoxide level with the alarm from your carbon monoxide detector. A detector usually sounds after 3-4 hours exposure to a level of 50 ppm carbon monoxide. Therefore, if the carbon monoxide level surrounding you is below 50 ppm, your detector won’t make a sound. Also, modern detectors come with a display showing the carbon monoxide level.

Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Give False Alarms?

Usually, if a carbon monoxide detector is functioning properly, it does not give false alarms. However, if any heat source, like fumes or a fireplace, is very close to it, it may sometimes give false alarms. Improper ventilation, an obstructed chimney may also cause a false alarm.

How Do You Test a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

To test your carbon monoxide detector, press down its ‘test’ button until there are two beeps. Now, press the button again until you hear four beeps. This method should do.

How Many Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Required in a Home?

The number of carbon monoxide detectors in a house should be at least one per floor. And additional detectors can be used just outside the bedrooms or sleeping areas as a whole. And most importantly, one detector should be placed in the basement as basements are at continuous risk of exposure to gas. If the bedrooms in your home adjoin a common hallway, a single detector placed in the hallway will do the work for all the rooms.

Do You Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Every Bedroom?

Carbon monoxide detectors are advised not to use inside the bedroom but just outside every bedroom. They should be placed within 10 feet of any bedroom that contains a heat-producer, like a heater, fireplace, or anything else that can produce carbon monoxide.

How Can I Keep My Carbon Monoxide Alarm from Beeping?

If your carbon monoxide alarm is beeping every 30 seconds or a minute, that means the detector has run out of battery. In that case, press the reset button and replace the battery. Make sure of using the battery recommended by the manufacturer company. Otherwise, the detector may keep beeping. In case the detector is beeping continuously, that indicates an actual carbon monoxide leak. In that case, you will have to press the reset button and evacuate the house after opening the doors and windows. The fire department will do the rest. Once the excessive carbon monoxide is taken care of, you can enter your home.

How Do I Get My Carbon Monoxide Detector to Stop Chirping?

If your carbon monoxide detector is chirping, which means beeping continuously, you will need to check the source of carbon monoxide as it usually chirps when there is a leak of carbon monoxide. Also, the detector may be faulty. Hence, you may need to test it once in a while. The best thing to do is call 911 or your local fire department. They will inspect your home and the device and take the necessary steps.

How Long Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Last?

Based on the manufacturer company, the lifespan of a carbon monoxide detector varies. But usually, the lowest lifespan of a carbon monoxide is 5 years, and they usually range from 5-7 years. Check your product to know its lifetime.

What Makes Carbon Monoxide Detector Go Off?

Usually, a carbon monoxide detector goes off when there is a carbon monoxide leak anywhere around. But it may also go off if there is a heat source around, like a furnace or a fireplace. A carbon monoxide detector can also go off due to improper ventilation, obstructed chimney, etc. And top of all, the detector may go off if it is faulty.

How Do You Change a Battery in a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

The first thing to do is remove the device. You can do that by twisting it counterclockwise. Now, remove the battery from its socket, and install the new battery. Now twist the device clockwise to reattach it. And finally, test your carbon monoxide detector as advised. Confirm that the signal is received.

Why Is My Carbon Monoxide Detector Flashing Red?

A carbon monoxide detector usually flashes red to inform you that it is working on the detection of carbon monoxide. If it doesn’t flash the red light, change the batteries immediately. Hence, the red light flashing is no danger. However, in some detectors, it flashed red quickly to indicate that there are higher rates of carbon monoxide levels.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Recommendations

Now, here are some recommended carbon monoxide detectors by us. We have included the key features of each of them.

1. X-Sense CO03D Carbon Monoxide Detector with LCD Display

This carbon monoxide detector from X-Sense comes with a Figaro CO sensor and an advanced ST chipset. With this intelligent chipset, the detector provides an accurate detector of carbon monoxide. Also, the rate of false alarms is minimized to the lowest extent. It offers response time to a wide range of carbon monoxide concentrations. It will quickly beep four times every 5.8 seconds if carbon monoxide is detected. The LCD shows the real-time concentration of carbon monoxide. If the carbon monoxide is not taken care of, the alarm will beep 4 times every sixty seconds until the concentration is back to the nominal levels. This way, the CO alarm CO03D ensures protection 24/7.

• The sensor has a lifespan of 10 years. With the advantage of replaceable batteries, you get uninterrupted protection 24/7 for 10 years.
• With its advanced chipset and the Figaro electrochemical CO sensor, it accurately detects carbon monoxide threats.
• The device is easy to install without hardwiring. The mounting bracket comes with the package.
• The detector meets the EN 50291 (EU) and UL 2034 (US) safety standards.
• The digital LCD displays the real-time carbon monoxide concentration as well as the battery power.

2. X-Sense CD01 10-Year Battery Carbon Monoxide Detector with LCD

The first thing to mention about this carbon monoxide detector model from X-Sense is its self-check function. It checks the sensor and battery automatically every 10 seconds. This way it ensures that the critical circuit and the key sensor are working as they should have. It features an LED indicator, which should not create a nuisance in your sleep but do its function properly. The battery life of 10 years ensures that you get uninterrupted protection from carbon monoxide.

• It features a sealed lithium battery for 10 years, making sure that there is no interruption in the detection of carbon monoxide levels.
• The advanced intelligent chipset and a Figaro electrochemical CO sensor ensure that carbon monoxide threats are detected accurately.
• Easy installation without hardwiring. The mounting bracket is included in the package.
• The detector meets the EN 50291 (EU) and UL 2034 (US) safety standards.
• The digital LCD gives real-time concentration levels of carbon monoxide and battery power.

3. X-Sense CD07 10-Year Battery Carbon Monoxide Detector with LCD Display

A distinctive feature of this carbon monoxide detector is its loud alarm. With an 85 dB loud alarm, it ensures that you are warned at the earliest time possible whenever there is a leak of carbon monoxide. Also, there is a rapid flashing of the red LED indicator to ensure the same. The self-check function helps to ensure the proper functionality of its 10-years long battery life as well as the critical circuit. When the battery power gets low, the LED light flashes 1 yellow beep every 60 seconds. Therefore, you can be sure of when to replace your battery. And this way, you can be protected uninterrupted.

• The large digital LCD displays carbon monoxide levels in parts per million (PPM), and that too in real-time. As a result, understanding the level of threat gets easier.
• The detector is powered by a sealed battery for 10 years ensuring uninterrupted protection 24/7 around the home.
• The device can be installed easily without any hardwired connection required.
• 85 dB loud alarm and quick flashing of the red indicator to ensure quick response.
• The intelligent chipset and the advanced electrochemical sensor ensure proper detection and protection from carbon monoxide.

4. X-Sense CD03 10-Year Sealed Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Like most other CO detectors from X-Sense, this one also comes with the self-check function every 10 seconds. This way, it checks whether the critical circuit and the key sensor are working as they should have. The detector alarm features a 3-color (Red, Yellow, Green) LED indicator. It displays the necessary output without hampering your sleep. There is the alarm sound as well, ensuring protection from high carbon monoxide levels.

• It offers a single-button operation to test alarms and to silence the alarm.
• The intelligent chipset and an advanced electrochemical CO sensor in this detector ensure accurate detection of high carbon monoxide levels.
• Easy installation on the ceiling or any wall.
• 3-color LED indicator: green- power, yellow- faulty or low battery, red- alarm.
• Self-check function every 10 seconds to ensure that the device is working perfectly to detect carbon monoxide levels.