Do You Need a Recommendation for a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
- Feb 10
- 2 min read
Do you need a recommendation for a carbon monoxide detector? Aren't they all the same? Do you need even need a carbon monoxide detector?
After a client called about her unique unvented gas-fired heater, I learned that John, the owner of Custom Climate Systems, recommends a specific type of carbon monoxide detector for an important reason.
To get to the point, John recommends a carbon monoxide detector with a digital readout screen. For example, this carbon monoxide detector from Lowe's. They can display rising carbon monoxide (CO) levels before they reach unsafe levels, which can help you catch problems early and stay safe.
That being said, get the detector you can afford and is available to you. It's better to have one than none at all.
How Carbon Monoxide Detectors Actually Work
Carbon monoxide detectors don't work like smoke alarms. A smoke alarm detects heat or smoke particles and sounds immediately. Carbon monoxide detectors use a combination of time and CO concentration (ppm, parts per million) to determine when CO levels become unsafe. Typically, at the lowest level, an alarm will sound when it detects 70 ppm for 1 to 4 hours.
Great, but what if the reading is slightly below that? John noted that if CO levels stay at 60 ppm for that same amount of time, the detector would not sound. But those readings are still considered elevated and should be addressed.
These detectors are designed this way to reduce false alarms and unnecessary emergency
calls. Though in John's opinion, being in a closed area with 60 ppm of CO is still low level carbon monoxide poisoning and definitely not healthy. At that reading, there is most likely something wrong with an appliance or mechanical system.
Why a Carbon Monoxide Detector with a Digital Display Is Helpful
Simply put, a digital readout screen gives you more information. The more information you have, the better you can address things before they become a problem.
In the case of our client, who we recommended to get a CO detector, she can safely be in the room and know if her heater is creating too much CO. There isn't a major concern under normal conditions, as the space contains enough air for proper combustion. However, if she were to lose power during a winter storm and needed to rely solely on this heating source for an extended period of time, the digital readout allows her to monitor CO levels. This ensures she can operate the heater safely and with confidence.
Who Should Have a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
We always recommend CO detectors if you have gas or wood-fired appliances. It’s an inexpensive safety measure that can help prevent a life-threatening situation. If you don't feel comfortable installing or setting up your CO detector, don't hesitate to ask your trusted HVAC company to install it for you.
If you’d like more information, here is an informational page from DTE about carbon monoxide and the do's and don'ts if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak: Carbon Monoxide Awareness
