The Best Carbon Monoxide Detector For Home Or Office Use

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Get Smarter On Architecture and Design

Get the 3-minute weekly newsletter keeping 5K+ designers in the loop.

Enter your Email to Sign up

Side-bar-footer-forum

For numerous years, carbon monoxide has been a principal cause of death in many residences globally. It's a lethal gas without any scent, typically released by malfunctioning burning appliances. In America specifically, the inadvertent release of carbon monoxide has taken numerous lives.

Carbon monoxide poisoning has flu-like symptoms that the victims experience once it leaks out. Many victims mistake the symptoms for the real flu, which, unfortunately, leads to misdiagnosed treatment or a delay in treatment. And since it is always a possibility that an appliance malfunction can happen in the home, it is best that the homeowner buys a carbon monoxide detector. This article will review the best carbon detectors in the market so that anyone looking to buy can get the best.

Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors For The Home

1. Google Nest Protect Wired Carbon Monoxide And Smoke Detector

Google Nest Protect - Smoke Alarm - Smoke Detector and...
  • Phone Alerts: Nest Protect sends you a message when there's a...
  • Smoke and CO Locator: Nest Protect speaks up if there's smoke or...
  • Detects CO: Carbon monoxide is an invisible poisonous gas. Nest...
  • A Light in the Dark: Usually Nest Protect has its light turned...
  • Fast Detection: Every second counts. The Split-Spectrum Sensor...

This particular carbon monoxide detector is specially designed to be in a position to detect both carbon monoxide and smoke in a residential house setting. Manufactured to last not less than ten years, this product is able to detect smoke and carbon monoxide and, at the same time, has Bluetooth and WiFi features so that it sends signals to the owner's phone if it detects something.

When sending the signal, it speaks in a clear human voice and also proceeds to say the exact location the carbon monoxide or smoke is detected. This detector is powered by a battery, and it has a power meter display for the owner to know when it's working or not. This carbon monoxide and smoke detector has many positive reviews on many online platforms, which further cements on its good quality.

Pros:

  • It has a smartphone feature that works perfectly through the Nest App
  • It has a solidly built hardware
  • It has regular firmware updates
  • It is not pricey and worth every cent

Cons:

  • If the network changes, it might require the owner to factory reset it
  • It might produce a really sharp chirping sound when sending an alarm
  • It does not have an interconnecting wire to be paired with others

2. Kidde Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector 2-Pack

Kidde Twin Value Pack CO Alarm with Digital Display
  • This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work...

This particular brand is well respected when it comes to producing budget-friendly and highly effective carbon monoxide detectors. With this particular product, the company used high levels of technology to make sure that this plug in carbon monoxide detector is up to the task. This is the most suitable carbon monoxide detector for anyone who is looking for an excellent product for the most reasonable price.

This Kiddle device uses lethal electrochemical sensors to detect even the slightest carbon monoxide levels. It also has an awesome digital display that updates the reading after every 15 seconds for optimum accuracy. This product comes with a 10-year warranty and a battery that lasts not less than six months.

Pros:

  • It is compact
  • It can be plugged anywhere
  • It is suitable for homeowners with low budgets

Cons:

  • It does not have a smartphone connection

3. First Alert ZCombo Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Sale
First Alert 2-in-1 Z-Wave Wireless Smoke Detector &...
  • Help keep your family safe with this battery powered smoke and...
  • Unit uses wireless Z wave technology to send mobile alerts if the...
  • Certified to work with smart home systems such as ring alarm...
  • Photoelectric smoke sensor helps reduce false alarms caused by...
  • Electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor offers advanced detection...

This brand is among the best carbon monoxide detector manufacturers in the market currently. This particular detector is specially designed with 2-in-1 features and therefore being able to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide. It uses a smoke detector as well as electrochemical carbon monoxide sensors to detect any emissions and alert the house owner instantly.

This battery-powered device is easy to install and synchronises with several smart home systems that send updates to the owner's phone. This appliance is one of the most well-rated smoke detection systems and is designed to be used in offices, residential areas as well as public areas.

Pros:

  • It is easy to install
  • It works with other safety devices in the building
  • It is able to send alarm notifications even when the owner is not in close proximity
  • It has a Smart Things App

Cons:

  • It might get false triggers and give false alarms at times
  • It does not work perfectly with Ring Alarm monitoring
  • It is a bit pricey

4. Sensorcon CO Inspector

Sensorcon Industrial CO Carbon Monoxide Monitor with...
  • Designed for industrial and commercial applications. Watch the...
  • Even with a presumed presence of CO, (Carbon Monoxide), a...
  • Sounds low level alert at 35 ppm and high level alert at 200 ppm;...
  • Visual alert, audible alert, vibrating alert, real-time carbon...
  • Waterproof to IP67 standards and one year manufacturer warranty

This carbon monoxide detector is most suitable for anyone who is looking for portability and effectiveness. It is handheld and therefore, extremely suitable for contractors or people monitoring building sites and also testing appliances when they are being loaded on boats, trucks and aeroplanes.

This carbon monoxide detector uses extremely high-performance electrochemical sensors to measure carbon monoxide levels and, while at it, offers live updates through its LED screen. Many users like this gadget because it is waterproof and lightweight.

Pros:

  • It is waterproof and lightweight
  • It offers real-time detection
  • It is designed to be durable
  • It is a high-quality device

Cons:

  • It might offer inaccurate readings

5. Onelink Safe & Sound by First Alert 

Sale
Alexa Enabled Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide...
  • About safe and sound: First Alert introduces Onelink Safe and...
  • Easy mobile controls: Get remote notifications of an emergency in...
  • No more confusing beeps: Track battery levels in the app and...
  • Voice alerts: Key voice location technology annoz the type and...
  • Easy to install: Optimal ceiling placement enhances the...

This smoke alarm has the perfect combination for any homeowner who is looking for a carbon monoxide and smoke detector. It keeps the home protected and the owner connected and in the know of whatever is going around. Designed to be fully smart-phone compliant, it connects via Bluetooth which makes it possible for the owner to control it through the phone. It is extremely easy for the homeowner to know its battery levels and also get alerted if there is a potential fire possibility.

This smart home detector also comes accompanied by Alexa capabilities which makes it pretty easy for the user to control it using voice technology. It comes accompanied by a 10-year battery warranty which means that one will not have to worry about battery replacements for its entire lifetime.

Pros:

  • It is easy to use
  • It has smart home features
  • It has an excellent customer support service
  • It can be voice-controlled

Cons:

  • It does not send signals when the WiFi is off
  • It might take the user some bit of time to silence the alarm
  • It might send false signals at times

Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. Power Source

Carbon monoxide detectors have different power options, as shown below:

a ) Battery Powered Models

This type is usually the best for placing anywhere in the home. The good thing about them is that they do not require pre-existing wiring or power outlets. They have their own batteries and just need to be turned on.

b) Plug-In Models

This type requires a power outlet. While that may reduce their flexibility, many models have battery backups. This type is the most ideal for areas that have smoke detectors.

c) Hard Wired Models

These are typically designed to work with existing fire alarm wiring.

2. UL Listing

It is a mandatory requirement for carbon monoxide detectors to be listed by Underwriters Laboratories. The listing on the back of the unit proves that the unit passed the body's stringent requirements, and in that regard, anyone looking for the most appropriate detector to buy should take this factor into serious consideration.

3. Digital Display

This is also another important factor for the buyer to consider. The digital display should be easy to read, which will ultimately help the homeowner determine if there is more carbon monoxide in the home than it is supposed to be.

4. Interconnectivity

Carbon monoxide detectors that can be wired or programmed with other smart home devices are the best. Most of them are connected through radio frequency, direct wiring, and others through the WiFi. Since many homes are smart these days, it is much better if the carbon monoxide detector can be interconnected to other smart home devices.

If a detector smokes carbon monoxide in the garage, for instance, it will trigger all the other interconnected devices in the home and have all the occupants alerted whether they are home or not. It is much better if the device reports to a central monitoring system because the alarm company will send an alert to all responders, and they will rush to save the situation whether the owner is at home or not. This feature works exceedingly well at night since many carbon monoxide poisoning episodes are less likely to be noticed.

5. Smart Features

We are living in an ever-changing digital world where all appliances are smart. Smart home appliances range from fridges, television sets, washing machines, and even faucets. When choosing the best carbon monoxide detector, it is advisable to go for one with smart features. When it is smart, it can be connected to the phone through a smartphone application, to a base station, or even to a fully-fledged smart home system. It just needs to be programmed to describe the area as well as the exact device it is connected to. When smartly connected, they are able to provide real-time updates to the phone application, which the owner can easily take a glance at and stay updated.

How To Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are installed in the most frequented rooms on a property. In a home setting, for example, they are installed outside bedrooms, common areas as well as the kitchen. For highrise properties, they are installed on each level including the basement and the attic.

When installing carbon monoxide detectors, it is advisable to keep them out of easy reach so that they can not be tampered with. The best placement is the knee level since it is, in most instances, the height of the sleeper's mouse and nose. Anyone with children and pets is advised to place them at chest height or as high as possible to avoid easy reach.

When travelling, it is advisable to take a small but effective portable detector just in case the hotel or room does not have one. It is pretty easy to use since it just needs to be plugged into a power outlet.

Benefits Of Having Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Without any prior warning, carbon monoxide creeps into a room ready to cause life-threatening harm. Having the right detector for the home or office can help saves lives and even the property itself. As described above, there are many different options to choose from, with all of them having the benefits described below.

a) Smoke Detection

These carbon monoxide detectors have the ability to detect smoke in the event a fire is about to start. They play an important role in protecting lives and property.

b) Temperature Detection

These have the ability to sense instances where temperatures are high and send alarm notifications to the property owner.

c) Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detection

If the detector detects abnormal levels of carbon monoxide, they send an alarm notification for the owner to safely evacuate within a given period of time.

d) Smart Carbon Monoxide Detection

These have alarms that are well equipped with smart technology to ensure that the home is safe even when the owner is away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Monoxide

1. What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is created and emits from appliances like the gas stove, heater and other home appliances that use oil or coal. It is not identifiable by colour or taste. It can only be identified through detection and hence the need to have detectors at home.

2. What Are Carbon Monoxide Peak Levels?

Carbon monoxide levels are usually calculated in parts per million (PPM). When the levels are 1-70 PPM, people and animals experience slight flu symptoms. If the levels reach 150-200 PPM, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately.

3. What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

In the event carbon monoxide has taken over the bloodstream, there are a few symptoms to look out for that include confusion and loss of alertness, slight headache, chest pains and dizziness.

Conclusion

As this article states, getting a carbon monoxide detector is fairly easy to achieve. Once it is installed on a property, the owner can have peace of mind that the environment around will be safe. If a carbon monoxide detector is coupled with a smoke detector, the owner can have extra peace of mind that the chances of a fire accident are slim.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Related Articles

How Does A Thermostat Work? Everything You Need To Know

A thermostat is the most sought feature in a home when the temperature changes. You either head there to change ...

Portable Air Conditioner For Car And Truck

5 Best Portable Air Conditioners For Cars And Trucks in 2024

If you are a professional driver or you drive for long hours then; consider installing an air conditioner in your ...

Why Does the Fan Keep Running on My Air Conditioner

There are various reasons your conditioner keeps on function, even when you switch it off. In this guide, we take ...