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 |  | Stand-alone Detector: $20-$50 |  | Combination Smoke Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Detector: $40-$80 |  | For the Hearing Impaired: $100-$130 |
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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is blamed for hundreds of deaths each year. To prevent carbon monoxide-related deaths, many states have carbon monoxide detector regulations in place.
Typical costs: |
- Stand-alone carbon monoxide detectors typically cost $20-$50. For example, a First Alert digital plug-in carbon monoxide alarm[1] with a backup battery costs $39. A basic battery-operated unit[2] 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[3] 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[4] 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[5] , an online hardware store, sells a combo smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector for $129.
Related articles: Smoke Detector, Fire Extinguisher, Fire Sprinklers, Homeowner's Insurance
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What should be included: |
- 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).
Additional costs: |
- 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.
Discounts: |
- Some retailers offer discounts on bulk purchases of carbon monoxide detectors. For example, Walmart[6] sells six detectors for about $100. First Alert[7] 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.
Shopping for a carbon monoxide detector: |
- The American Lung Association provides a tip sheet[8] on detecting carbon monoxide and preventing tragedies.
- The Environmental Protection Agency offers advice to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning[9] .
- ConsumerSearch.com[10] 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[11] with useful tips on selecting a carbon monoxide detector.
- First Alert provides an interactive legislative map[12] showing which states and municipalities have carbon monoxide detector legislation in place.
- Look for the UL Listed mark[13] on the package which guarantees the product meets specific safety standards.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Reuben Damm in Columbus, MT. | Posted: October 3rd, 2011 10:10AM |
| Brand: First Alert | Type: SMK/CARB mONOXIDE |
| Number Purchased: one | Store: Ace Hardware |
I had two CO detectors go off in my house and upon finding the cause I had the problem corrected.
A real lifesaver. |
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External Resources: |
- www.firstalertstore.com/store/products/co615-plug-in-carbon-monoxide-alarm-with-ba...
- www.firstalertstore.com/store/products/co400-basic-battery-operated-carbon-monoxid...
- www.drillspot.com/products/1369972/Brk_SCO2B_Combination_Smoke_CO_Alarm?s=1
- www.firstalertstore.com/store/products/sco501cn-3st-onelink-wireless-talking-batte...
- www.drillspot.com/products/482444/brk_sl177_interconnectable_hearing_impaired_stro...
- www.walmart.com/ip/Kidde-Carbon-Monoxide-Detector-9CO5-6-Pack/13061978
- www.firstalertstore.com/store/products/carbon-monoxide-smoke-detector-combo-pack.htm
- www.healthhouse.org/tipsheets/TS_CarbonMonoxide.pdf
- www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html
- www.consumersearch.com/carbon-monoxide-detectors
- www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1632357,00.html
- www.firstalert.com/legislation-map/
- www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/perspectives/consumer/productsafety/co/
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