Test Your Carbone Monoxide Detectors on a Regular Basis
After installing new carbon-monoxide detectors in your home, don’t get worn out patting yourself on the back. Your job isn’t over. You’ll want to test the detectors on a regular basis, to make sure they’re continuing their vital job of protecting you and your family.
Carbon monoxide (CO) – not to be confused with human exhaust, carbon dioxide (CO2) – is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas. It’s extremely toxic, and can do its ugly work gradually over time with small amounts, or rapidly with heavy exposure.
Every year, an average of 170 Americans are killed in their homes due to accidental CO poisoning. This usually happens as a direct result of malfunctioning furnace or other combustion system, and indirectly due to non-operational or absent CO detectors.
How to test your carbon monoxide detectors
A variety of manufacturers make CO detectors, and different brands and types have different testing schedules. However, most of them call for monthly testing.
Doing this at the same time you’re testing smoke detectors is a common way of handling this task. Regular testing is recommended both with the more common battery-operated CO detectors and models that are hardwired into your home’s electrical system.
Check the instructions that came with your detectors for the right testing schedule, how to do testing and battery replacement, and the frequency of needed battery replacement.
The most common carbon monoxide detector testing process calls for:
- Locating the “test” button;
- pushing the button for a few seconds;
- waiting for the loud, annoying beeping noise that tells you the alarm is working; and
- removing your finger from the button.
If no beeping occurs, replace the batteries. If that still doesn’t work, scrap that detector and get a new one. You shouldn’t risk your family’s well-being for the low cost of a CO detector.
When to replace your CO detector
The best recommendation is to replace the alarm based on the date on the back. Because the test buttons only test the siren’s functionality, many times, the siren will work despite the unit being 5 years past the replacement date. About 90% of the CO alarms on the market have a 5-year sensor, and then it needs to be replaced – so please check the date!
Along with installing and regularly testing of your CO detectors, take steps so they’ll never need to sound an alarm.
Schedule annual preventive maintenance on all combustion appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters
Don’t operate gas-fueled generators, tools or vehicles in enclosed areas
Consider a new Cincinnati HVAC system installation before your old equipment endangers your household.
Don’t take shortcuts when upgrading to new equipment; make sure you have a trusted contractor with an impressive HVAC track record install your new forced-air gas furnace or water heater.