A carbon monoxide detector can save your life. Therefore, it’s very important you choose the right one. Here’s how to choose the best carbon monoxide alarm.
Are you worried about carbon monoxide poisoning? You’re not alone.
Carbon monoxide, or “the silent killer”, is a dangerous gas. In fact, there are around 25 deaths from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales every year.
You can keep you and your family safe by investing in a quality carbon monoxide detector. These devices will alert you should you have a dangerous gas leak in your home.
But how do you know that you have a reliable alarm? What should you look for when buying one?
A carbon monoxide detector can save your life. Therefore, it’s very important you choose the right one.
Here’s how to choose the best carbon monoxide alarm.
Choosing The Best Carbon Monoxide Alarm: Types of Alarms
There’s no shortage of carbon monoxide alarms on the market.
You can plug alarms into an outlet or hardwire them into your home. You can also buy a battery operated device. Each type of alarm offers its own benefits.
Plug-in and hardwire alarms have built-in backups in case of emergency. The backup is usually a battery that will keep the alarm functioning if there’s a power outage.
The best battery powered alarms have a built-in alert system in case the battery is about to die. This end-of-life warning will make a sound if its time to replace the batteries.
Even the best carbon monoxide alarms should be frequently replaced. Most alarms have a 5-7 year lifespan.
Alerts
You need an alarm you can trust. Your alarm should notify you of dangerous carbon monoxide levels.
One of the most important features to look for is a loud alarm. Many carbon monoxide alarms have low volumes.
Why is this bad?
Think about how dangerous it is if you can’t hear your emergency alarm. You might be oblivious to a poisonous gas leak.
You should look for an alarm that can be easily heard throughout your house. Aim to find a device with an alarm of 85 decibels or more.
Are you hard of hearing?
Don’t worry. You can invest in a carbon monoxide alarm with a voice alert feature.
These alarms will speak to you should there be high carbon monoxide levels. You can also set these alarms to connect with other devices.
This way you will get alerts no matter your location.
Alarm Standards
Forget about the brand and price. The most important thing to look for in your carbon monoxide alarm is that it meets industry standards.
Quality carbon monoxide alarms meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards. This means that the alarm has undergone extensive testing.
You can look for a UL or CSA label on your alarms packaging. This label is only found on alarms that meet these organizations strict safety standards.
The Best Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Don’t be another statistic.
You can protect your home and family by finding a quality carbon monoxide alarm. Look for alarms that have long lifespans, loud alerts, and UL or CSA labels. It just might save your life.
Are you interested in getting a carbon monoxide alarm installed?
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