Please choose a Location

Smart vs. Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors: How to Get the Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for Your Home

As autumn approaches, now is an excellent time to start thinking about your residence’s carbon monoxide detectors. When heating season starts, the Centers for Disease Control says the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases. 

Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that’s colorless, odorless and tasteless. It’s a result of combustion your gas furnace relies on to add warmth to your residence. When your heating is running like it’s supposed to, the gas is securely pushed outside of your residence. Breaks in your furnace’s heat exchanger or flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide to spill into your home, where prolonged exposure can be fatal. 

Despite the fact carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, the CDC says at least 430 people in the U.S. die from it each year. And another approximately 50,000 people go to the ER thanks to related issues, like headaches, dizziness and vomiting. 

The best ways you can protect your home is by scheduling annual maintenance of all gas, oil, or wood burning appliances, like your furnace and water heater, and getting a carbon monoxide detector. From plug-in to smart carbon monoxide detectors, there’s an option on the market that fits for your home and budget. 

Smart Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart carbon monoxide detectors, including the Nest carbon monoxide detector, make it effortless to keep on top of keeping your loved ones safe. They’re usually offered as combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and can usually be linked with other smart home devices via Wi-Fi. 

Here are a few other advantages of having them in your house: 

  • Tells you there’s trouble through voice notifications, in addition to alerts on your phone. 
  • Points out the problem area, such as the kitchen or basement. 
  • Can be silenced from your phone. 
  • Automatically reviews its sensors and batteries and shares findings through a comprehensive report on your phone. 
  • Alerts you of dying batteries with an alert on your phone, not a loud noise in the middle of the night. 
  • Lasts up to 10 years, depending on the type. 

The only issue with having Wi-Fi carbon monoxide detectors is the price. These detectors are often much higher-priced than their plug-in or battery-powered counterparts. But they also include many helpful and important features you won’t get in a non-smart device. 

When you’re getting a new device, it’s vital to learn where to put carbon monoxide detectors. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests putting a carbon monoxide detector at least five feet above the floor or on the ceiling. This is because carbon monoxide can rise with hot air. 

We advise using a detector on each floor of your residence, including outside bedrooms. You’ll want to be sure the noise will wake you up. 

Battery-Powered and Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Plug-in and battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors are the most economical. A couple of the most popular styles are Kidde carbon monoxide detectors and First Alert carbon monoxide detectors. 

But they also have restricted features that don’t link with your phone or smart home devices. They tend to have a digital display and test button, which you’ll have to remember to use. 

The National Fire Protection Association suggests testing hardwired carbon monoxide alarms once a month. Battery-powered detectors that don’t plug in should be tested once a week. If you’re concerned about how to test for carbon monoxide, it’s fairly easy. Press the button to be certain your detector is functioning. 

If your detector is hardwired, make sure to change the backup battery at least once a year. If it’s battery-powered, you’ll want to change it once a month to bypass the irritating chirp in the middle of the night. 

If you’re noticing that sound or your carbon monoxide detector is beeping intermittently, it usually signals it has a low battery. Or, it’s getting to the end of its life. How long carbon monoxide detectors work depends on the brand you own. In general, it’s around 5–10 years, but make sure to review instructions from your device’s manufacturer. 

If you’re concerned about why your carbon monoxide detector is beeping, it’s often due to the fact it’s detecting dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide. If your carbon monoxide detector is going off with steady, loud beeping, leave your home as quickly as possible and call 911. 

Now is an excellent time to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is running normally before heating season begins. If you need to schedule furnace maintenance or you’re interested in upgrading to smart carbon monoxide detectors, the Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Reach us at 866-397-3787 today and we’ll help you find the ideal carbon monoxide detector for your house. 

© 2025 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.

Chat with a Service Experts Professional