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Senior Staff Writer, Security & Smart Home
It might seem like a time-saver to run your car in the garage before a long commute, especially on a cold winter’s morning. But the emissions from your vehicle can fill your garage with carbon monoxide (CO)—a dangerous, silent threat—even if the garage door is open. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that claims over 430 lives a year.1 It’s a byproduct of burning carbon fuel like the natural gas in your stove and the gasoline in your car. Even small doses of carbon monoxide can cause permanent damage or death. What does a carbon monoxide detector doWhat does a CO detector do?Subscribe to our Youtube channel and learn how to protect your home, loved ones, and belongings. About carbon monoxideWhat is carbon monoxide?Carbon monoxide gas (CO gas) is a simple molecule: one part carbon and one part oxygen. Carbon monoxide comes when carbon fuel—like wood, gasoline, coal, propane, natural gas, and heating oil—fails to burn completely (incomplete combustion). These energy sources aren’t dangerous when you burn them in an open area with plenty of ventilation. But carbon monoxide is hazardous in confined spaces—like basements, kitchens, garages, or campers. Carbon monoxide is hard to detect without a sensor, which is one of the reasons it’s so dangerous. Sources of carbon monoxide gasThere are several common sources of carbon monoxide gas:
Image source: safewise.com Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?Carbon monoxide is deadly because it binds with your red blood cells and starves your body of oxygen after passing into your lungs. These are the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
Perhaps most troubling is the similarity to cold or flu-like symptoms that are easy to ignore—shortness of breath, nausea, and mild headaches. Disorientation and unconsciousness can occur when levels of carbon monoxide reach 150 parts per million (ppm).2 Eventually, the symptoms turn lethal without treatment. How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk, but fortunately, it’s preventable. Stop CO sources and be prepared. Here are five carbon monoxide safety tips for avoiding exposure, including installing CO sensors throughout your home:
Detecting carbon monoxideHow do you detect carbon monoxide?Carbon monoxide detectors are the fastest way to prevent CO poisoning. In your home, you can install a carbon monoxide alarm (or multiple detectors). They work much like your fire or smoke alarm by sounding a siren when they detect carbon monoxide. You can find simple models like the Kidde Nighthawk and Alert Pro that set off a siren, or smart detectors like the Google Nest Protect* that connect to your smartphone or home security system. Mid-2021, Kidde voluntarily recalled two of its combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Our recommendation isn't one of those alarms. How do carbon monoxide detectors work?Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm when they sense a certain amount of carbon monoxide over time. Different sensors set off different types of alerts:
Once the carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds, it must be in a carbon monoxide-free environment to silence the siren. When will my carbon monoxide detector go off?The CO alarm sounds if your sensor detects a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home—usually before you start sensing symptoms. With a low CO level (50 ppm), it may take up to eight hours for the alarm to go off. Higher carbon monoxide levels (over 150 ppm) can trigger an alarm within minutes.3 Act quickly when an alarm sounds because low doses over long periods can be just as dangerous as sudden carbon monoxide exposure in ultra-high doses. What do I do if my carbon monoxide detector goes off?
Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent safety hazards in your home, like a faulty furnace or fireplace. Choosing a carbon monoxide detectorWhat kind of carbon monoxide detector should I get?Overall, carbon monoxide detectors sense CO fast and alert you as soon as they do. But there’s a surprising amount of variety in today’s carbon monoxide sensors. Some simple models plug into outlets or use a battery and alert you with a loud siren, like the one on your smoke detector. These models are cheap and suitable for multi-room buildings that need several units spread throughout. Many models include sensors for both smoke and carbon monoxide. These are easy options you can swap out your existing smoke detectors for. They also reduce the number of sensors on your walls or ceilings. You can also find smart models that connect with your home security system or alert you of danger through a mobile app. These models are expensive but can be a wise investment if you want extra safety for kids and pets at home. You can learn more about CO detectors and how they work in our FAQ guide. Where should I place a carbon monoxide detector?Ensure everyone in the house can hear when an alarm goes off by placing a CO sensor in or near each of three critical locations in your home:
Follow your local laws and the manufacturer’s instructions for additional guidance beyond these three locations (for example, some states require sensors in utility rooms). For more information, you can also check out our guide on the best places to install CO monitors. How many carbon monoxide detectors do I need?First, find out if your local laws require carbon monoxide detectors inside every enclosed sleeping area in a dwelling unit. In these cases, you need a sensor for every bedroom. Most states require sensors within a certain distance of bedrooms, so a single sensor in a shared hallway can cover multiple bedrooms. This overlaps with the “one-sensor-per-level” rule. Check out our best carbon monoxide detectors buyers guide to find one that fits your needs. Related articles on SafeWiseSources
DisclaimersProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. †Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Best water leak sensor $80.00 -30°F to 150°F Connects to Wi-Fi View on Amazon Read review Honda EU2200iTAGBest portable generator $2,679.95 1,800 watts Runs for up 8.1 hours View on Amazon Read review Kidde KL-2SBest fire escape ladder $67.16 Holds up to 1,000 lbs Deploys quickly View on Amazon Read reviewData as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. SafeWise uses paid Amazon links. †Google and Google Nest Secure are trademarks of Google LLC. Written by John Carlsen John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over nine years of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete. Recent ArticlesDo I need carbon monoxide detector in every room?It is important to install CO alarms on every level of your house so all family members can hear the detectors and be alerted to the emergency. You should also have carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and common rooms for extra safety while you and your family are sleeping.
Where and 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.
Where is the best place to place carbon monoxide detectors?A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed on every floor of a home, including the basement and near sleeping areas. It should also be installed near or over an attached garage at least 5 feet off the floor or on the ceiling.
Do you need multiple carbon monoxide detector?Some areas require carbon monoxide detectors in each bedroom or within a certain distance from a bedroom. At a minimum, though, you want to ensure you have a carbon monoxide detector at every level of your home – including your basement. They should also be placed near each bedroom and near the entrance to the garage.
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