If you hear a long, continuous squeal, this may indicate that your alarm is signaling one of the following: The best carbon monoxide alarms you can buy in 2023 1. Nest Protect: Best smart CO and smoke detector Thankfully, there’s an early-warning solution in the form of a carbon monoxide alarm that costs only a few pounds more than a smoke alarm. Be aware, though, that not all CO detectors are sensitive enough and some no-name brands are downright useless – and, therefore, dangerous. Ensure you opt for a reputable brand such as FireAngel, First Alert, Kidde, Nest or Lifesaver. Digital display models show levels of CO, displayed in ppm (parts per million). Anytime the alarm sounds, whether it is an alarm with a digital display or not, it should be treated as a potentially serious situation. It’s also worth noting that the test button on these devices doesn’t actually test the sensor – it only makes sure that the circuit’s working.

The Peak Level feature is helpful in identifying if you have had a high CO reading since resetting the alarm (or if it happened while you were away from home). Concentrations of CO between 1 and 30 PPM can often occur in normal, everyday conditions. Concentrations of CO below 30 PPM may be an indication of a transient condition that may appear today and never reappear. Some CO conditions may start out as low-level leaks but could develop into CO concentrations that may become harmful. If this happens, the CO alarm will detect the dangerous level and sound an alarm, notifying you and others of the conditions. DO NOT ignore concentration readings above 30 PPM or a CO alarming device that is sounding its alarm. The chemical makeup of the two gasses is slightly different, but the difference in their effects is extreme. Carbon dioxide is mostly harmless, while carbon monoxide can be fatal.We recommend choosing carbon monoxide alarms that have the most accurate sensing technology available. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America (Centers for Disease Control). At a minimum, industry experts recommend a CO alarm be installed on each level of the home -- ideally on any level with fuel burning appliances and outside of sleeping areas. Additional CO alarms are recommended 5-20 feet from sources of CO such as a furnace, water heater or fireplace. Alarms can alert you to a problems only after smoke or carbon monoxide reach their sensors. Choose locations free of obstructions, where the alarm will stay clean and protected from adverse environmental conditions. Do not place the unit in dead air spaces or next to a window or door. CO enters the body through breathing. CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches. High levels of CO can be fatal, causing death within minutes.* If the alarm reactivates within a 24-hour period, repeat the above steps and call a qualified appliance technician to investigate sources of CO from fuel-burning equipment and appliances, and to inspect for proper operation of equipment. Alarm Malfunction – The alarm chirping every 30 seconds could indicate a unit malfunction. Call our Product Support when this occurs at 1-800-880-6788.

ppm: Headache and dizziness after 1-2 minutes; unconsciousness and danger of death after 10-15 minutes of exposure.

Where Should I Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms?

The Peak Level reading is a memory of the highest reading taken by your carbon monoxide alarm since its last reset or power-up. The Peak Level display feature will display levels between 11-999 PPM. Although the Peak Level feature will display levels below 30 PPM, these levels will not result in an alarm no matter how long the device is exposed to these levels.