What is a carbon monoxide sensor? First, you have to know what carbon monoxide is. Carbon monoxide, or CO is a colorless, odorless gas that is caused by the incomplete combustion of things like gas powered water heaters, or heating and air conditioning systems. Because it is undetectable without special monitors, it is referred to as the ‘silent killer.’ Depending on how long and how high the exposure is, the more dangerous it can be. Even lower CO levels, built up over time, can be just as harmful.

A carbon monoxide sensor is a device that detects CO build up, and if there is too much present, it will sound an alarm before it reaches fatal levels, warning the household that they either need to ventilate or even evacuate the area. Although they may sometimes be combined with a smoke alarm, they do not detect smoke, nor to smoke alarms sense CO build up. Some common sources of CO can be blocked chimneys, running a vehicle in a garage, and even open flames. Portable space heaters also give off a lot of CO and caution should be used with these products.

Carbon Monoxide sensors are the best defense against fatal CO exposure, and should be in every home, at least one, and they are fairly reasonably priced, from a mere $20, to around $60,. depending on how advanced it is. These monitors take either batteries, or AC current, with battery back up when the power goes out. These can be a little more expensive, but it really doesn’t matter if it is battery, or electrical. The important thing is to regularly check to monitor to see if it’s working properly, and they have a test button, just like a smoke detector.

Back in the say, when sensors were first introduced on the market, they only lasted about two years, with a short battery life. As the technologies have improved, CO detectors can now last around seven years, and some have advertised that they have a battery life of six years, before having to change it. Now matter how long the battery is supposed to last in a unit, it is a good idea to test them, usually at the same time you would be testing your smoke detector. Even if your detector claims that a high battery life, it doesn’t mean that the battery will last that long.

While there are many types of carbon monoxide sensors, your best bet is to buy one that is digital, because these are going to be the simplest to operate and deal with. Some sensors use a chemical reaction to tell you how much CO is present, but some don’t have alarm features, are placed in areas where there is not a lot of activity, and some don’t even get checked on a regular basis. Electronic devices are fully automatic, and will sound a piercing alarm when levels become too high.

It is really easy to find a carbon monoxide sensor. You can pick one up at a home improvement retailer, merchandiser mass marketers, as well as online. Since they are fairly reasonably priced, everyone should have one of these in their homes, and many states have mandatory requirements.