How Often Should You Change Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Cigarette smoke is one source of dangerous carbon monoxide gas.

Change Your Sensor Every Two Years

The home inspection experts at the Ohio Home Inspection Co. recommend that homeowners change the sensor component in household carbon monoxide, or CO, detectors every two years. In addition, test the batteries in the CO detector each month. Be aware that the "test" feature on CO detectors generally only tells you whether the alarm, not the CO sensor, is working.

Less Maintenance for Higher Quality Detectors

Experts at Carbon Monoxide Kills recommend that homeowners change the batteries and sensors within CO detectors every five years. The amount of time between changing the sensors in CO detectors also depends on the quality of the CO detector. A higher quality unit may require less maintenance than a cheaper unit.

Bottom Line

Check with the specific CO detector manufacturer's recommendations for the maintenance schedule for your household unit. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and change the sensor in your CO detector every two years. Also check the batteries and the alarm system in the detector on a monthly basis.

References

• The Ohio Home Inspections Co.: Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Carbon Monoxide Kills: Carbon Monoxide Detectors