Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors
There are many dangers encountered in daily lives that aren’t hard to take precautionary steps against. Locking doors, cameras outside, and smoke detectors are all examples of safety measures to protect your house.
But there is yet another which is highly recommended you take as well. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that can be found in homes everywhere. This is gas that emits from cars, gas stoves, basement boilers, and motors, and more. Carbon monoxide detectors can help you keep track of the level of CO in your house and alert you when they reach a dangerous level.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector
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| #2 |  ALERT PRO Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
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| #3 |  Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
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| #4 |  First Alert Dual-Power Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
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| #5 |  X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
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Table Of Contents
- What is Carbon Monoxide?
- Types of CO Detectors
- Basic Detector
- CO and Smoke Detector
- Smart CO Detector
- Cost
- Features
- Battery Powered VS Hardwired
- Accessories
- Sensitivity
- Testing
- Installation
- Where to install it?
- How to install it?
- Best Carbon Monoxide Detector Reviews
- First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector
- ALERT PRO Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
- Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
- First Alert Dual-Power Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
- X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
- Conclusion
What is Carbon Monoxide?
What makes carbon monoxide such a terrifying danger is that it’s not detectable. This gas has no taste, smell, or color, so it’ll blend right in with other gases in the air.
Carbon monoxide in smaller doses can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and feverish symptoms. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, however, are known to be lethal and even kill, especially when you’re asleep.
It is for this reason that it’s extremely important to have a CO detector in your home in bedrooms, basements, kitchens and wherever else they need is felt. This gas is silent, scentless, and extremely dangerous.
Types of CO Detectors
Basic Detector
The simplest type of them all, basic detectors do the bare minimum in keeping you safe. They come with a sensory system and alarm to make sure you are alerted when and if there are high levels of carbon monoxide.
They can come in battery-powered and corded options, depending on your preference. It is suggested to have battery options even in your hardwired alarms to ensure they can still work during a power outage.
CO and Smoke Detector
Since the dangers of smoke and CO are equivalent in homes, many people find it convenient to have a dual-detector, which is both a carbon monoxide and smoke detector. These combo devices can properly detect both cases and alert you whenever they reach a critical level.
These detectors tend to save more money as you have two detectors installed in one device.
Smart CO Detector
Finally, there is the smartest option of them all, a smart detector. This detector can connect to your phone and alert you of carbon monoxide levels even when you’re not home. It will give you constant updates on the level of CO in your home and it’s even possible to jointly connect all the devices in your home together, under the assumption that they are all smart.
These detectors, of course, come at a much higher price than your standard detector. More than often, smart detectors are a combination of smoke and carbon monoxide.
Cost
Yes, there are more expensive options when it comes to detectors that may lay outside of your budget.
There is no excuse for not having a carbon monoxide detector in your home, not even the cost. It’s a safety measure that can do nothing less than protect you from the invisible dangers of carbon monoxide.
Features
Many features can come with a detector. Picking and choosing so you still have a quality product underneath the fancy accessories is a vital skill to have.
Battery Powered VS Hardwired
First, there is the option of either battery-powered or corded detectors. A corded detector means you’ll have a constant power source for your detector, except in a power outage, when it’s common for CO to leak. For this reason, it’s always best to get corded options with a battery-powered alternative, just in case.
Battery-powered detectors will require the occasional check-up to see if the batteries are still working or are low. Some detectors will alert you when the batteries are low, but the expense of battery maintenance remains the same.
Accessories
There are also accessories your detector can possess to make your usage easier and quicker with less hassle and worry.
- Test buttons allow you to check if the alarm and sensory system are still intact and operational.
- Silence buttons allow you to turn off the alarm once the danger has been dealt with or in case it was a false alarm. Some silence buttons can even work as a refresh button to restart the detector, ensuring it’s still operable.
- Some basic CO detectors will come with a digital display, which will show you the constant live Co levels in your home, the battery life (if it’s battery-powered), and in some cases, the time as well.
- The CO detector, under every circumstance, must be loud. This alarm should wake you up even from the deepest sleep. Shrill, loud, and instant is the right way to go with any alarm. The bare minimum noise level should be 85 decibels.
- Some smarter detectors will come with the option of voice alarms, which will dictate where the alert is, what the CO level is, and how long it’s been a danger. It will even differentiate if it’s a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
- If you have someone in the home who is hard of hearing, then it’s a wise idea to invest in an alarm with lights as well. These lights will flash while the alarm goes off to catch everyone’s attention.
Sensitivity
There are different sensitivity levels on different detectors. Some will only alert you about the dangerous levels of CO while others have numerous levels in which they will alarm you.
Smarter detectors will send the less threatening alerts to your phone and only blare when dangerous levels have been reached. Naturally, detectors with different levels of sensitivity will be more expensive than those that only detect highly dangerous levels of CO.
Testing
To ensure your detectors are still keeping you safe, it’s recommended to do periodic tests on your device. Check the alarm to see if it still works, test the sensors to see if they’re still detecting CO levels properly and accurately.
Check your battery life unless the digital screen displays it and make sure all older models which have exceeded 5 to 7 years of useful life are replaced with newer, more accurate detectors.
Installation
Where to install it?
There are specific rooms in your home which will demand greater surveillance than others. Naturally, all bedrooms should have a CO detector so that you’re never sleeping unprotected.
Basements, garages, and kitchens along with separate washing rooms must have their detectors as well since these are more often the primary positions where CO can leak from. It’s also important to make sure every floor of your house has a detector active and running.
How to install it?
This will depend on what type of detector you buy. If it’s an entirely battery-powered device, then installation should be easy. Simply find a spot on the ceiling or wall to place it and screw or nail it in.
Corded versions are slightly more complicated. These must be wired into the power source which isn’t too difficult a task. You can also call for professional help if you’re unsure how to do this. Instructions provided by the manufacturer must always be respected and followed.
Best Carbon Monoxide Detector Reviews
First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector
Specs:
- Power Source: Corded
- Display: LCD Digital Screen
- Dimensions: 8.5” x 6.75” x 2.8”
- Sensor Type: Electrochemical
Best Overall Carbon Monoxide Detector
First Alert is known for its quality traditional detectors. They remain within the simplicity of a basic detector while providing some helpful accessories to make usage easier.
This detector is a plug-in device with secondary battery-power in case of power outages. You can purchase it in either a three or one-pack to cover more ground within one buy. You can plug this unit into standard outlets, making it easier to move around.
This detector uses electrochemical sensors to detect carbon monoxide levels, for accurate readings no matter where in the room the device is.
It comes with a testing/silence button so you can easily test it out periodically and silence it after test runs and false alarms. There is also an end-of-life chirp to indicate the detector is no longer efficiently working.
This carbon monoxide detector comes with a 7-year warranty on any defects or flaws in the circuit and manufacturing.
Pros
- Low battery and end-of-life alarm
- Test and silencing button
- Plug-in alarm with battery backup
Cons
- Vague instructions for replacing batteries
Who Should Buy This?
This option from First Alert has everything you need to stay safe. Coming in a pack of three, you can cover more ground in one purchase, placing one in the kitchen, and in the bedrooms where they ought to be.
ALERT PRO Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
Specs:
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Display: Digital LCD Screen
- Dimensions: 4.49” x 4.33” x 1.46”
- Sensor Type: Catalytic and electrochemical
Budget Pick
This carbon monoxide detector from Alert Pro comes with all the essentials needed to keep you safe at home. With proven superior performance, this device is battery powered for convenient installation and quick maintenance. No matter what the situation, your alarm will be ready to detect incoming danger.
The battery is a DC 9V battery, replaceable and long-lasting. The display is a digital LCD screen that shows the current CO levels and time in a 24-hour form. It will also show the battery percentage left, so you know when to replace them. When in standby mode, it consumes less energy to preserve power.
There is a built-in siren as well as a voice warning which will dictate the level and time of the danger. It will help you figure out what is happening without having to approach the detector. The alarm tone is 85 decibels.
It automatically detects any failure or malfunction in its system and records alarms, both false and correct.
Alert Pro provides its customers with a 5-year warranty against defects and flaws with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Voice prompted control
- Displays current CO concentration, battery life, as well as the 24-hour clock
- Auto-detects sensor failure and low battery
- Alarm memory function
Cons
- Shorter lived battery life
Who Should Buy This?
For those with a tighter budget, this detector from Alert Pro is perfect. Coming with all the essentials along with an easy-to-read digital screen, you’ll always feel protected and safe in your home.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
Specs:
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Display: LCD Display, LED lights
- Dimensions: 2.75” x 4.5” 1.5”
- Sensor Type: Electrochemical
Value Pick
Kidde is another brand that is well known for its reliability and accuracy in measurements. The device is battery powered and will not close unless batteries have been placed inside their sockets. For easier and quick battery change, the battery compartment slides in and out. Three AA batteries are required for this detector.
The digital display shows the current level of carbon in the room, taking a new reading every 15 seconds. Measurements are shown in ppm (parts per million) with a peak memory function that shows the highest your carbon monoxide readings have been.
There is also a low battery signal to indicate when it’s time to change them. There are two LED lights on the body; one is green to signal that everything is under control, the other is red to signal there is a dangerously high level of CO at that moment. The alarm will also go off at 85 decibels.
There is a test button that tests the unit to see if the alarm and lights are still responsive. This button also acts as a refresh button to clear up any stored memory and reboot the device system. This will ensure it reads the CO levels more accurately.
Pros
- Two lights to indicate device status
- Peak memory function saves high reading of carbon monoxide
- Test/refresh button to test out and clean the device
Cons
- Tendency to refresh itself can become confusing
Who Should Buy This?
Kidde is known for having down-to-earth prices with quality value. You’ll receive everything you were promised from this device and feel safe as long as you have it up and running.
First Alert Dual-Power Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
Specs:
- Power Source: Corded with Battery Back-up
- Display: LCD Screen
- Dimensions: 3.4” x 1.7” x 5”
- Sensor Type: Electrochemical
Best Pack of Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Another option from First Alert, is the ideal purchase to invest in if you’re planning on buying in bulk. These are all plug-in devices that can fit into any standard outlet, so assembly and installation is no hassle.
There are backup batteries just in case there’s a power outage. The device will also chirp once a minute for every minute to indicate when the batteries are low on life.
This detector uses an advanced electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor for more accurate readings on the current level of CO. If it begins to buzz four times every minute, it means that the CO levels have reached a dangerous extent, and immediate evacuation and call for authorities is required.
This CO detector has a peak level feature that records the highest CO level you have encountered along with a chirp for when its useful life is coming to an end. This chirp will blare five times every minute.
All alarms from Alert First are rigorously tested to meet UL safety standards. This has made Alert First one of the most trusted brands in the market.
Pros
- Backup battery in case of a power outage
- Peak level feature displays the highest CO concentration
- End-of-life chirp and low battery alarm
Cons
- Display screen doesn’t stay lit up all the time
Who Should Buy This?
Buying in bulk isn’t a bad idea, especially if the house you live in doesn’t have any carbon monoxide detectors. There should be one on every floor of the house, in every bedroom, and at the least in the kitchen where gas stoves may be active.
X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
Specs:
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Display: LCD Screen
- Dimensions: 5.8” x 5.3” x 2.6”
- Sensor Type: Electrochemical
Premium Pick
The final option we have to offer comes from X Sense, with an abundance of features and safety precautions that will leave you worry-free.
This device has a promised lifespan of 10 years, with a 5-year warranty to back any defects or issues you may experience with your alarm. Being battery-powered, it will work so long as you have charged batteries loaded. The batteries used in this case are 3 AA batteries and will even work through power outages.
The advanced figaro electrochemical sensor with a high-performance ST chipset keeps this device alert and accurate. You’ll get constant readings taken every ten seconds to confirm what exactly your CO levels are.
In case of the alarm being triggered, there will be a loud 85-decibel noise and a red flashing light. There is also a low battery and end-of-life warning. The LCD screen will show your live CO levels along with the battery life, so you’ll know when to change them.
There is also a test/hush button to use to see if the device is still operational.
Pros
- Dual alert system, buzzing, and LED red light
- Low battery warning and malfunctioning warning
- CO levels measured every 10 seconds
Cons
- Alarm reported not work on faulty products
Who Should Buy This?
This alarm is the perfect choice for those who are wary of different sensitivities. While it’s good to have a single detector that’ll alert you when there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, what about the subtle lower levels seeping their way into the air around you?
Conclusion
Your safety and the safety of your family should be a top priority. There is no excuse or reason to not have a carbon monoxide detector, so get a quality one and beat the scare of CO concentration in your home.
Don’t forget to spread the message about this silent killer and the precautions you can take to avoid it by sharing this article with others who lack sufficient preventions in their own home.