Breaking down the carbon monoxide alarm
There are a variety out there, so choose the model that’s right for you and your home
Whether you’re looking for a hardwired, battery powered or plug-in model, all carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will protect your home.
“When 70 parts per million (ppm) of CO are detected, all alarms will sound,” says John Ward, a technology expert with alarm manufacturer Kidde Canada. “They’ve all been tested to go off at the same levels, so the only difference is in power source, sensing technology and convenience features.”
Here’s a breakdown of the various types of CO alarms for your home. Plug-ins and battery units These CO alarms are powered directly via an electrical outlet in your home. It is essential that they have a battery backup. “When the power goes off,” says Ward, “the danger of CO poisoning increases because people tend to use their fireplace or their gas stove for heat.” These plug-in units are portable — you can take them to the cottage or even plug them into your hotel room if you’re travelling.
But if outlet space is a premium in your home, a battery-powered alarm may be your best option. The standard unit uses double-A batteries that need to be changed once a year. For more worry-free convenience, Ward advises choosing a model with a10-year sealed lithium battery. And, like the plug-ins, these models are highly portable. “You can set it on a dresser or the mantle, or even mount it on the wall,” Ward says. Hardwire These CO alarms are found in newer homes or those recently renovated. Some 10 years ago, the building code in Ontario required new builds to have hardwired smoke and CO alarms on every level of the residence. “They’re on the ceiling and unobtrusive,” says Ward. “Plus, several models talk. It will actually say, ‘Fire, fire!’ or ‘Warning, carbon monoxide!’ depending on what it’s sensing.” But Ward points out, despite being hardwired, they don’t last forever. “Hardwired alarms have the same life expectancy of seven to 10 years as plug-in and battery models, depending on the brand,” he says. When that decade is nearing the end, your alarm will start to chirp. “There’s nothing you can do to stop that,” says Ward. “It’s an end-of-life chirp to advise the homeowner to replace the unit.” New alarm features Looking for the latest in CO alarms? Consider one with a digital readout. It offers the bonus of being able to display actual CO levels detected, including those that are too low to set off a full alarm. “This allows the homeowner to address a potential CO issue before it gets more serious,” says Ward. “It may indicate that your furnace or an appliance in your house is emitting small amounts.” All about safety In the end, purchasing the right CO alarm comes down to the kind of home you have and your lifestyle. The important thing, Ward points out, is to be in compliance with the Ontario law by having a working CO alarm outside all sleeping areas. One per floor offers optimal protection. And when it comes to convenience and money savings, the new models with batteries that never need changing for10 years are truly worryfree.