Carbon Monoxide Detector Cost

• Stand-alone carbon monoxide detectors typically cost $20 -$50. For example, a First Alert digital plug-in carbon monoxide alarm with a backup battery costs $39. A basic battery-operated unit costs $20.
• Some carbon monoxide detectors are combined with smoke detectors. Typically, combined units cost $40 -$80. For example, BRK Electronics' Battery Smoke/CO Combo costs about $44 at Drillspot.com and includes a remote control silencer and a programmable voice alarm. First Alert's ONELINK combo smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector costs $70. It allows wireless linking of multiple detectors in one home, which means when one alarm sounds, all the alarms wirelessly linked will sound.
• Carbon monoxide alarms for the hearing impaired frequently include strobe lights and cost more than typical alarms. Alarms for the hearing impaired typically cost $100 -$130. For example, Drill Spot, an online hardware store, sells a combo smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector for $129.

• Carbon monoxide detectors come with a variety of different features but typically include a hush button (and sometimes a remote-control silencer), a battery backup for power outages, a low-battery warning light and a multi-year warranty. Digital displays often show the carbon monoxide concentration in parts per million. Less common features include voice alarms and strobe alarms (which help the hearing impaired).

• Many carbon monoxide detectors run on batteries, which can cost $5 -$10 to replace. Many experts recommend checking the batteries when the clocks are reset for Daylight Savings Time.

• Some retailers offer discounts on bulk purchases of carbon monoxide detectors. For example, Walmart sells six detectors for about $100. First Alert also offers discounts, including a combo pack with both a smoke detector and a separate carbon monoxide detector sells for $30. Home Depot sells a pallet of carbon monoxide detectors (256 units) for $9,977, or about $39 each.
• Local fire districts and stations frequently have smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector giveaways. Call the local fire department or check their website for details.

• The American Lung Association provides a tip sheet on detecting carbon monoxide and preventing tragedies.
• The Environmental Protection Agency offers advice to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• ConsumerSearch.com provides reviews of carbon monoxide detectors and advice on what to look for when selecting one for the home.
• This Old House provides a video with useful tips on selecting a carbon monoxide detector.
• First Alert provides an interactive legislative map showing which states and municipalities have carbon monoxide detector legislation in place.
• Look for the UL Listed mark on the package which guarantees the product meets specific safety standards.

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