Carbon Monoxide Detectors in DC & MD

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector in your house? Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is every bit as dangerous as fire and can only be detected with a carbon monoxide detector. If you want to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide, call James A. Wheat & Sons today!

Before you install a new carbon monoxide detector, you should consider the following questions:

What kinds of carbon monoxide detectors are available?

There are three main types of carbon monoxide detectors:

• Electrolytic Sensor – these carbon monoxide detectors use electrochemical sensors to determine the levels of carbon monoxide present in the home. They are the most sensitive and efficient carbon monoxide detectors available – however, they cost more up front.
• Colorimetric Sensor – these carbon monoxide detectors use a colored strip to determine the level of carbon monoxide in your home. When a colorimetric carbon monoxide detector goes off, it may take up to 48 hours to reset.
• Metal oxide – these  carbon monoxide detectors heat up in the presence of carbon monoxide. They are popular because they can detect other poisonous gasses, such as bleach and silicones.

In addition, there are several power options available for carbon monoxide detectors:

• Battery operated carbon monoxide detectors are the easiest to install but tend to burn through batteries quickly.
• Hard wired carbon monoxide detectors hook directly into your home’s electrical system for constant operation.
• Some carbon monoxide detectors can be hard wired with battery backups to operate even if there is a power outage.

Where should I place my carbon monoxide detector?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home. For added protection, install one near every sleeping area and above the garage (carbon monoxide can leak out of your car’s exhaust). For best results, make sure they are at least 15 ft away from any fuel burning appliances.

What special carbon monoxide detector features are available?

There are a number of special carbon monoxide detector features available that make them even more convenient:

• Power indicator – power indicators include lights that blink under normal conditions to show that the system is working properly.
• Low battery signal – many carbon monoxide detectors will emit an alarm or a chirping noise when it is time to replace the batteries.
• Battery drawer – some carbon monoxide detectors include a battery drawer that allows you to replace the batteries without removing the whole alarm from the wall.
• Test / Silence button – this useful feature allows you to test your carbon monoxide detector with the touch of a button. It also allows you to silence the device in the event of a false alarm.
• Alarms – while most carbon monoxide detectors use audible signals, there are carbon monoxide detectors for the hearing impaired that use flashing lights to alert you of danger.
• Combination smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detector – combination smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detectors save space by combining the two main alarms you need in your house. This also means you only have to change one set of batteries instead of two.

Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your Maryland or Washington, DC home is the only way to protect your family from the danger of carbon monoxide. If you want to install a carbon monoxide detector, call James A. Wheat & Sons today!