How to Choose a Carbon Monoxide Alarm for Home Safety

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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More than 500 Americans die every year from carbon monoxide inhalation. The colorless, odorless, poisonous gas is produced by cars and fuel-burning appliances such as oven ranges, water heaters and furnaces. Carbon monoxide detectors alert you when dangerous amounts of the gas are present in your home. Here's how to choose one.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Evaluate your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are particularly useful in homes with more than one kitchen, many heat-emitting sources and attached garages.

Step2

When choosing a detector, check it for UL listing. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories and means that the detector has been approved and tested.

Step3

Check potential detectors for sensor type. Some provide sensors that monitor other gases as well.

Step4

Check the detector for a warranty. It should cover the sensors inside the detector in case you have a faulty sensor or your detector doesn’t function properly.

Step5

Before purchasing the detector, test the alarm to make sure everyone in your house will be able to hear it.

Tips & Warnings

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed near where people sleep.
For optimum safety, be sure to put fresh batteries in your detector after purchase.
Read all manual and installation instructions. Improper usage may compromise your protection.