Carbon monoxide detector prevents carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide detector or alarm is a device that uses a special sensor to detect and measure the carbon monoxide level in the air.

Carbon monoxide (CO) accidents kill hundreds Americans every year. Thousands others need urgent medical attentions. All those deaths and accidents could be prevented with a simple detector. Both the National association of Fire Chiefs and the Consumer Product Safety Commission officially recommend at least one carbon monoxide detector to be installed in every household.

Carbon monoxide poison is a byproduct of combustion. A carbon monoxide poisoning accident can come with an unnoticed malfunction of anything that burns fossil fuels. Examples are gas or oil furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, water heaters, ranges, ovens, clothes dryers, or even a charcoal grille. If you have any such indoor appliances, a nearby carbon monoxide alarm or detector may save your life some day.

When buying a CO alarm or detector for your home you will need to choose between electric powered (plug-in) and battery powered sensors. Battery powered detectors and alarms are preferred for a number of reasons. In contrast to battery-powered detection systems, a plug-in carbon monoxide detector may accidentally unplug. Besides, batteries continue to protect you during power outages, when there is also a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning due to a need to use some backup non-electric (fuel) appliances.

It is important to pay attention to the CO detector manufacture instruction, especially maintenance recommendations. The detector should be properly placed. Quite likely, you will need to replace the carbon monoxide sensor or detection part or the whole detector every two to five years. For a battery-powered detector or alarm you will typically need to replace batteries every one to three years. Time after time, check your alarm or detector by pressing the test button.

If the carbon monoxide detector or alarm goes off, try to move everyone to fresh air and open windows for better ventilation. Then you need to diagnose the problem with the help of your utility provider or fire department. When you know which appliance is at fault, you will need to have it repaired or replaced.

Finally, even if you have a carbon monoxide detector or alarm, still be aware of the carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, which include headache, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. Even with a reliable carbon monoxide detection system, like with any device, there is always some risk left that the carbon monoxide detector or alarm fails to go off for some reason. Also do not forget the carbon monoxide poisioning prevention measures, such as adequate maintenance of your fuel burning appliances.

More reasons to use a carbon monoxide detector or alarm
Carbon monoxide indoor air pollution, its health effects, and what can be done about it.

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