Carbon monoxide is an invisible and odourless byproduct of incomplete combustion within your furnace or other fuel-burning appliances. CO poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting and even death. This is why having a properly installed and maintained CO detector in your home is absolutely crucial.
That’s right, it’s not enough to just have one installed. Ensuring it’s inspected often and the batteries are replaced as needed is critical to keeping your home and family safe. So, do you know the last time you checked your CO detector?
In today’s blog, the expert electricians at 4-Star Electric will go over common issues with CO detectors and when you should call us in for a routine inspection to ensure safety and performance.
4-Star Electric has been the Calgary Area’s #1 choice for electrical safety, including CO detector installation and service. Let’s begin!
How a CO Detector Should Operate
Carbon monoxide detectors can be separate from smoke alarms or combined to the same device. Regardless of the type you have in your home, this is how it should operate:
- A microchip is connected to a CO sensor in the devices detection chamber
- When the sensor detects high levels of CO in the air, it sends an electrical signal to the chip
- When the microchip receives a signal from the sensor, it triggers the alarm
Just like your smoke detector, CO detectors can be battery operated or hardwired into your electrical system. Hardwired devices are the most reliable, since you don’t need to rely on a battery. However, they do still use them as a backup in case there is an issue with your home’s wiring.
Common CO Detector Issues
Short Lifespan
Many CO detectors only have a lifespan of about 5-7 years, notably shorter than a smoke detector at about 10 years. Because of this it can be difficult to remember to replace it when necessary. It’s also important to note that certain environmental conditions could further reduce the amount of time a CO detector is in good, working order. Which is why we recommend installing them well away from doors and windows.
Obscure Labelling
Older carbon monoxide detectors usually don’t have the expiry date printed on them, but newer devices will. If you can’t find the expiry date on your detector, chances are you are overdue for a replacement. Even if you locate the expiry date and you are well within it, it’s important to take the time to test the detector yearly to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Push Button Test
To test your carbon monoxide detector, you first need to know what sort of test is specific to your device or model. Many CO detectors offer a “push test”, where you can hold down a test button on the device. Depending on the model, most commonly you may have to wait for a sequence of beeps or chirps, or for a given amount of time. Always double check the model type to see if it uses a push test, or some other kind of test.
False Alarms
High humidity, high levels of dust or chemical fumes can all trigger false alarms. To mitigate this as best as possible we recommend installing your CO detector away from doors, windows, and from being too close to fuel burning appliances (15 feet away is usually recommended).
If you’re noticing any of the above issues, contact the team at 4-Star Electric right away. We’ll be able to quickly identify the underlying issue and present you with the best solution, whether that be a quick inspection and repair, or full device replacement.
Why You Should Choose 4-Star Electric For CO Detector Installation & Service
Our experts help ensure your family is protected from CO with reliable alerts. Here’s what you can expect when you call us in for service.
What To Expect
Evaluation
Every CO detector installation or inspection begins with the Calgary Area’s most thorough evaluation, where one of our trained electricians will evaluate your home’s layout to determine the optimal locations for installation.
If existing detectors are already installed, your electrician will check the age, condition and functionality, looking for outdated units, improper placement or non-functional components.
Your electrician will also take the time to go over local building and electrical codes to ensure your equipment meets the required safety standards.
Recommendation
All carbon monoxide detector recommendations are thoroughly explained and will include all available equipment options including both hardwired and battery operated.
Your electrician will also recommend how many detectors you should have in your home, plus optimal placement for maximum safety.
Finally, a detailed cost and timeline estimate will be provided so you can prepare accordingly for your CO detector service.
CO Detector Service
If we’re installing a new CO detector in your home, the work area will first be chosen based on access to electrical connections, and ensuring the detector will be far enough away from appliances or anything else that could potentially give off a false alarm.
Your electrician will quickly install the detectors in the desired location, following manufacturer and electrical system guidelines. Hardwired units will be connected to your home’s electrical system, and securely mounted.
After installation is complete, your electrician will test each detector to ensure it’s functioning properly. They will also suggest regular maintenance tips including how often to test your detectors going forward, and where to find important information.
Finally the installation area is cleaned and any packaging or other work materials are removed.
If we’re there to inspect and service your CO detector, you can still expect the same high level of service.
Your electrician will inspect and test not only your detector, but the connected electrical system (if a hardwired unit). They will also review your overall system against local electrical codes and safety standards.
Once the inspection is complete your electrician will then provide a detailed report outlining the condition of both your detector and your electrical system and recommendations for repair or replacement to ensure long-term performance and safety.
All our on-site team members are licensed electricians. Above and beyond the technical knowledge, we train our staff in customer service. Our people will communicate effectively with you, listen to your concerns, and always answer your questions.
We guarantee to always be on time, respect your home or business, be vetted and verified and always keep service quick, clean and quiet. Contact us today to schedule your CO detector service.
We hope you’ve found this blog helpful and you’ve scheduled your next CO detector installation or service. To learn more about the different types of CO detectors available, or to ensure ongoing performance and safety, give our experts a call right away. We have trucks on the ground in your area, and we’re ready to provide you with the highest quality service!
CO Detector FAQs
Why is my CO detector beeping?
Usually a beeping or chirping CO detector means the battery or detector itself needs to be replaced. Replace the battery and put the CO detector back in its original position within the home. If beeping continues and you have a hardwired detector, this could indicate an issue with your home’s wiring. In which case, give our friendly electricians a call for a thorough electrical inspection.
How many CO detectors do I need?
It is recommended that you have at least one CO detector on each floor of your home. Recommended placements include outside bedrooms and by your furnace. We also recommend keeping them away from high humidity areas such as your bathroom to prevent false alarms and other issues
Do I need to hardwire my smoke and CO detectors?
Hardwiring your smoke and CO detectors allows for them to communicate with each other. In a hardwired system, if one detector starts beeping it will send a signal to all others so they start beeping as well. This ensures that no matter where you’re at within the home, you are alerted of a carbon monoxide leak.