Carbon monoxide, the “silent killer,” can seep through your home without any color or odor and poison you quickly, so it’s vital to have reliable CO detectors in your house. These inexpensive, easy-to-install devices can save your life by alerting you to potentially dangerous levels of the gas and giving you time to escape to safety. But with so many options available, choosing the best one can be tricky. To help you, we’ve put together a list of the top-rated models.
A CO detector can either be a stand-alone device or part of a combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm that also monitors for dangerous levels of both gases simultaneously. Some models are battery-operated while others are plug-in or hardwired into the wall. Each type has its benefits, but it’s important to choose a model that is appropriate for your specific home layout and your budget.
Our top pick for the best carbon monoxide detector is this Kidde model, which offers a simple, straightforward design that’s also very effective at keeping you safe. It uses an electrochemical sensor to look for CO in your home’s air, and if it detects a high level of the gas, it will sound a loud 85-decibel alarm. A handy lockout feature on the battery door helps prevent accidental shutoff, and the display panel indicates both current and peak carbon monoxide concentrations along with a low-battery signal. If you’d prefer not to hear the alarm, a quiet button and an audible three-chirp signal are also included.
Another good choice is this First Alert model, which plugs right into a standard outlet and eliminates the need for batteries or a hardwired connection. It has a digital display that shows the current and peak levels of CO as well as explosive gasses, including natural and propane gas. It has a button for testing and silencing the alarm, and a remote capability that lets you configure it from afar.
If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of changing batteries, consider a plug-in option like this Nighthawk. It has a 6-foot AC power adapter that you can plug directly into the wall, but it also has a built-in battery backup in case of a power outage. Its dated design may not be as pretty as some other models, but it’s an effective, inexpensive choice for your home. It’s also worth considering a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector, as these can be easier to install and can save money by consolidating two essential safety devices into one. Be sure to test all your detectors regularly by pushing the test button on them, and replace them when they reach the end of their lifespan. Most have a label with the recommended date for replacing them on their face or side, but you can also find this information in the user guide that comes with each unit. It’s a good idea to have a designated day each quarter when you swap out your batteries and check the expiration dates on all your detectors.