Is it Time to Replace Your Home’s Carbon Monoxide Alarm?

Many of your Peachtree Corners, GA, home’s appliances likely burn fuel as a source of power. Improper ventilation or a problem with the equipment could lead to a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gas. Read on to learn about when your carbon monoxide alarm should be replaced and the benefits of replacing it now before cold weather arrives.

Determine the Age of Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Your carbon monoxide detector should have a date stamped on it. You may need to open its cover in order to find the date. Most carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan of five to seven years. If you can’t find a date on yours and you can’t remember when you bought or installed it, replace it.

Choose a Battery Backup

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20,000 people visit the emergency room for treatment and more than 400 people die each year from preventable carbon monoxide poisoning. If your home loses power, a hard-wired carbon monoxide alarm won’t work. When replacing your alarm, choose one that allows a battery backup. It will still sound even if your home loses power. This is especially important if you use a portable space heater or generator during power outages.

Choose a Sensitive Alarm

When shopping for a replacement carbon monoxide alarm, our HVAC experts suggest one with a digital readout and peak level memory. This provides first responders with an accurate level of carbon monoxide in your home in case there’s a problem. Also look for an alarm with a fuel-cell electrochemical sensor. These carbon monoxide detectors are more sensitive to dangerous levels of the gas and have fewer false-positive alarms. If your household includes kids, consider a talking alarm instead of a wailing alarm.

To learn more about when to replace your home’s carbon monoxide alarm, take a look at Ful-Bro Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.’s heating services, or call our HVAC experts today to schedule an appointment.