Carbon monoxide gas has one main danger, it is odourless and colourless. Carbon monoxide molecules displace oxygen in bodies leading to poisoning or even fatalities. It can leak from anything like power generators, fireplaces and dryer vents. According to Global News Canada, “carbon monoxide poisoning claims the lives of more than 50 people each year in Canada. Hundreds more are sent to the hospital each year, resulting in some form of permanent disability.”

While it is an indistinct gas and without a monoxide detector cannot be detected, there are some symptoms you can watch closely that predict carbon monoxide poisoning. The most common symptoms are dizziness, headache, chest pain, vomiting and confusion. Breathing in too much carbon monoxide can cause you to pass out (if you are lucky) or die. That is why installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home is not only important but crucial because it can be a life-saving element.

There are many carbon monoxide detectors on the market, and it can be confusing to figure out which exact model you need for your home. Considering most common requests consumers have, we selected not only the best-rated carbon monoxide detectors, but also smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, portable detectors, and budget-friendly options.

Type: Carbon monoxide detectors come in three types: plug-in, battery-operated and hardwired. If you are looking for an easy-to-install detector, consider a battery-operated alarm. Those are typically more affordable than other detectors and the easiest when it comes to installation. The only downside is you would have to remember to regularly check for dead batteries.

Features: While the simplest monoxide alarms can get the job done, we suggest you consider a detector with extra features. Among popular additions are smoke detectors, digital displays, LED warning lights, and some sensors even offer voice alerts and location of leak detection. Moreover, there are smart carbon monoxide detectors that can be connected to your smart home system.

Speaking of a smoke detector as the most useful extra feature, choose the one that has ionization sensors for sensing fast-burning fires. Besides, some photoelectric sensors can detect smoldering fires as well.

Connectivity: The last factor we want to mention is connectivity. You do not have to worry about this if you live in an apartment, however, if you have a multilevel home, take a look at interconnecting devices that create a network across your place, covering each room. The most effective way is to install a device on every level and in every bedroom.

How to prevent carbon monoxide leaks: While carbon monoxide leaks happen in both residential and commercial places alike, there are some steps you can take to prevent potential carbon monoxide leaks to protect your family and yourself.

First of all, make sure to regularly maintain fuel-burning appliances. We suggest you seek professional inspection of appliances, fireplaces, furnaces, heaters and gas. The second thing you can do, besides professional examinations, is to check all appliances that use propane and natural gas such as stoves, heaters, fridges, dryers and others. What you want to look for are leaks, tears, cracks, corrosion in tubes, clucked vents and faulty connections. It is better to take an hour a month to inspect your appliances and run a carbon monoxide detectors test than suffer the consequences of a deadly gas leak.

Actions to take if a carbon monoxide leak occurs: According to the Government of Canada, there are three steps you should take immediately if you hear carbon monoxide alarm sounds.

Firstly, leave your home and relocate outside. The worst thing you can do for your health is try to locate the source of the carbon monoxide leak. Secondly, call 911, the local fire department or emergency service. Let them know that the alarm went off.

Thirdly, do not assume that the leak was false as soon as the alarm has stopped, and do not return back home. Wait for professional help to confirm that the problem was fixed.

X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm with LCD Display

VIEW ON AMAZON

What especially attracted our attention about this X-Sense smoke and carbon monoxide detector is its ten years of battery life. Install it in your home and you won’t have to worry about dying battery after a few months. Another factor is, and many customers say exactly that, they like the display in PPM rather than just a simple alarm. As someone on Amazon noted, he knows for a fact that it works. He ran the tractor in the shop the other day and X-Sense immediately started to display carbon monoxide readings.

Others said it is very easy to install, and multifunctional—you can mount it on a ceiling or a wall.

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor

VIEW ON AMAZON

If you own Alexa, it would only make sense to add another compatible device which would track indoor air quality: Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor.

It does not only sense carbon monoxide leaks, but also checks humidity and temperature levels. However, keep in mind that this monitor is not designed to alarm you of any carbon monoxide leak emergencies. It would track the level of it; however, you would still need a proper carbon monoxide alarm to go along the monitor.

Google Nest Protect

VIEW ON GOOGLE STORE

Google Nest Protect is another smart carbon monoxide detector we liked. It works with a compatible app where you can get alerts on your phone. Something to consider for peace of mind, especially when you are away from home. The second reason we decided to include this smoke and carbon monoxide detector is that instead of buying only one detector you can buy a full package of two to three devices and locate them across your place on each floor.

Safety matters to us, be it putting out options for the best snow sleds or carbon monoxide detectors. And while the latter one can be much more challenging to choose from, we considered this factor and created this list based on the following aspects.

First, we only selected carbon monoxide detectors that were approved by any experts, or customers and even tested by other buying guides’ teams (The Spruce, Safewise, Popular Mechanics).

Second, each product earned at least four stars and received hundreds of positive reviews from homeowners, renters, and even travelers, which brings us to the third point.

We made sure to cover various requests users have when buying carbon monoxide detectors. We included alarms that also detect smoke, devices for travelers to use in a car, RV or while camping and carbon monoxide detectors for anyone who does not want to deal with installation. We even selected smart units that would send alerts about a gas leak to your phone.

What causes carbon monoxide in houses?

Carbon monoxide can leak even from dryer vents. However, homes with fuel-burning appliances are more likely to have carbon monoxide leak issues. Overall, it can be produced whenever fuel burns.

Other potential sources of carbon monoxide are stoves, fireplaces, grills, and furnaces. Besides essential appliances, carbon monoxide can lek from portable heaters and generators.

What causes carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is typically caused by incomplete burning of natural gas (or products that contain carbon). The reasons can be anything from faulty heaters and fires to factory emissions.

Where to install a carbon monoxide detector?

There are two places you can install a carbon monoxide detector: on the ceiling and a wall five feet above the floor. If you are living in a multilevel house, make sure to install a detector on each floor, including the basement. As per the Family Handyman, you should keep carbon monoxide detectors out of direct sunlight and away from fixtures that generate heat (appliances, lights, radiators, etc.) and out of overly humid areas (bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc.). Besides, stay away from mounting detectors by windows that are often opened or in dead air spaces.

How much carbon monoxide is fatal?

Mostly, a fatal result of exposure to carbon monoxide depends on how many hours you’ve inhaled it. For instance, carbon monoxide concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm causes disorientation and headache in the first hour. However, in three to five hours the same concentration can lead to unconsciousness and fatal results.

How to test a carbon monoxide detector?

It is really easy to test a carbon monoxide detector, yet it is important to do that time after time. Simply press and hold the “test” button until you hear two beeps. Then release your finger and repeat the test until you hear four beeps.

What other gases can set off a carbon monoxide detector?

A carbon monoxide sensor can also start beeping when it detects such burning fuels as propane, natural gas, gasoline or even oil and wood. However, you cannot rely on a carbon monoxide sensor to detect gas leaks because it is not designed to do so.

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?

No, a carbon monoxide detector is not designed to sense a gas leak.

What to do if the carbon monoxide detector goes off?

The very first step is to call 911 and let them know that the alarm has gone off. After that, open doors, and windows and leave your home. Experts suggest remaining outside even if the alarm stops. Although fresh air diminishes carbon monoxide in the air, the source of the leak might still be producing gas.