How To Choose The Best Carbon Monoxide Meter For Your Home

Carbon Monoxide Meter

If you use gas-fueled appliances in your home, then you need a carbon monoxide meter. Not only will it alert you to unexpected leaks or accumulation of carbon monoxide, in some areas it is actually required by law to have at least one. Here’s what you need to know in order to choose the best carbon monoxide meter for your home.

First, you should understand what carbon monoxide is and why it is a dangerous health hazard. Carbon monoxide is given off whenever you burn fuels such as natural gas, propane, even wood. It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, so there are no warning signs that a leak has occurred, which is why carbon monoxide monitors are so important.

Carbon monoxide is often called the ‘silent killer’ because even at low levels of exposure it can cause serious health risks. It accumulates in your bloodstream, and reduces the ability of your blood to supply oxygen. Symptoms of carbon monoxide inhaling are often similar to the flu, and if they are not dealt with exposure can lead to brain damage and death.

A carbon monoxide alarm measures the level of carbon monoxide in your home, and sounds an alarm when and if these levels become dangerous. Some monitor only high levels, while others let you know even when levels are low. Your best bet is to choose a carbon monoxide tester that displays both high and low levels, as this gives you a more accurate picture of your indoor air quality…especially if you have young children, seniors, or anyone who is pregnant or has cardiac or respiratory conditions in your household. Long term, low level exposure to carbon monoxide is just as much a health risk as sudden, high level exposure.

Make sure that the 220 carbon monoxide meter has been listed with the standards association in your area. You will see a testing logo on the packaging. This ensures that the unit has been tested and meets (or exceeds) safety standards. Safety standards have also been set for a methane meter, an oxygen meter and even for an ammonia meter.

If you want to keep track of long term, low level exposure, look for a carbon monoxide detector that has a memory feature. While the meter may not display low levels, it will store them in its memory, and you can access this information by pressing a button. This will let you see the peak levels in your home over a certain period of time.

Many carbon monoxide meter plugs in to the wall. If you choose this type, be sure it has a battery back-up system in place in case of a power outage, and do not plug it in to an outlet that is controlled by a wall switch. A battery powered carbon dioxide meter gives you more freedom in where you can install the unit, but will require you to remember to test and change the batteries regularly.

Check the life expectancy of the carbon monoxide meter before you buy it. Most have a 5 year lifespan, but some may be shorter or longer. Find out if you can replace the sensors when they wear out, of if you will need to buy a whole new carbon monoxide monitor.