Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A top-notch carbon monoxide detector is a great way to help protect your family and home.
The Benefits
- Protection from carbon monoxide
- 2-in-1 smoke detector convenience
- Safety and peace of mind
What To Look For
Not so long ago, homes just needed a smoke detector. Times have changed and we can be much more proactive about safety now. Most homes need several smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to achieve the recommended levels of CO protection.1
You can purchase those devices separately or in a 2-in-1 model. There are detectors that talk to you; ones that are connected to your home; they can be hardwired to each other; or they can be stand alone units. There are a lot of options, but picking the best one for your family can be tricky.
That’s why our team of ShopOwl researchers put together this quick guide to help you choose the right carbon monoxide detector for your needs.
How Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work?
Sensors detect the presence of dangerous carbon monoxide in your home.2 This colorless, odorless gas is created by many different appliances and even your vehicle. If it leaks into the home or there isn’t proper ventilation, then it can accumulate and replace the oxygen in the house. When inhaled, it becomes toxic.
Today carbon monoxide detectors are fairly inexpensive, so it’s easy to protect your household from this gas. The problem is that the options can be confusing and there’s a lot of variance in the market. So it’s good to do a little research before you make that purchase.
What To Look For And What To Avoid?
- Look For
- Interconnectivity
- Voice alerts
- Avoid
- Anything that does not have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) stamp
- Hardwired units without battery backup
Beware Of Power Options
There are different ways to power your carbon monoxide detector and the safest option is to select a method that has a secondary backup for power — just in case.
You can get a hardwired model that runs off your home’s electrical wiring. You’ll probably need an electrician to hook it up. If you opt for hardwired, make sure there’s a battery backup in the device.
There are plug-in models that work with any of your home outlets, but they also should have a backup just in case the outlet stops working for any reason.
Some carbon monoxide detectors have built-in power cells that are designed to last the lifespan of the device. In this situation, it’s crucial that you replace the device as often as recommended.
What Else To Consider Before Buying A Carbon Monoxide Detector
Deciding if you want a standalone or a combination unit will narrow down the options. Then selecting your power preference will get you even closer to the final purchase. But the following factors may help you make a more informed decision.
Display Screen
You might pay a little more for a model that has a display screen, but at a glance you can check the battery level, the registered carbon monoxide level, and if you have a combo model you can check the type of threat.
They can also record carbon monoxide levels over time, so you can determine when there are dangers and even perhaps what appliance might be the culprit for spikes in this dangerous gas.
Positive And Authentic Reviews
Make sure to check with the ShopOwl algorithm before purchasing a carbon monoxide detector, so you can get a clear understanding of what other customers liked and didn’t like. This will help you make a more informed purchase.
Security System Connection
Having an interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detector is nice because you can get notifications to your phone and your home security system. This lets you know what’s happening inside the home if you’re outside in the yard or even when you’re out of town.
The faster you can react in both smoke and carbon monoxide situations, the better. Having technology on your side is a great way to get ahead of potential damage.
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Carbon Monoxide Detector Gas Detection
Sold by: WJZXTEK
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Quality Rank A
94/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, this detector by WJZXTEK received a high score for its quality.
Review Rank A
100/100
Our algorithm didn’t find any fraudulent or suspicious reviews.
Value Rank A
96/100
Considering the strong quality rank and very high review rank, we’ve determined that this product has an A value rank.
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Adjusted Rating:
.jpg)
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Quality Rank A
94/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, Kidde KN-COSM-IBA 21006377A Hardwire Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm received a high score for its quality.
Review Rank B
84.7/100
Our algorithm flagged about 15% of reviews as being fraudulent or suspicious.
Value Rank A-
92/100
Considering the strong quality rank and the good review rank, we’ve determined this product has an A- value rank.
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Adjusted Rating:
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Quality Rank A-
90/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, Firex AC Hardwired Combination Carbon Monoxide & Photoelectric Smoke Alarm received a strong score for its quality.
Review Rank C
73.2/100
Our algorithm took a deep dive into the reviews and found roughly 27% of the reviews to be either fraudulent or suspicious.
Value Rank B
86/100
Considering the strong quality rank but low review rank, we’ve determined that this product has an B value rank.
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04
Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
Sold by: First Alert
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Quality Rank B
83/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, the Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm received an average score for its quality.
Review Rank D
67.1/100
Our algorithm flagged about 33% of reviews as being fraudulent or suspicious. This score is well below average.
Value Rank B
83/100
Considering the average quality rank and the poor review rank, we’ve determined that this product has a B value rank.
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05
Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Sold by: Nest
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Quality Rank B+
88/100
After our algorithm searched over 5,000 data points and analyzed 52 variables, Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm received a strong score for its quality.
Review Rank D
68.5/100
Our algorithm flagged almost 32% of reviews as being fraudulent or suspicious. This score is well below average.
Value Rank B
85/100
Considering the good quality rank and the poor review rank, we’ve determined that this product has a B value rank.
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Citations
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center/CO-Alarms
- https://www.cdc.gov/co/