DIY Security Systems
In recent years, the rapid growth of gas-related deaths has paved the way for people buying carbon monoxide detectors. But as a potential buyer, there are things to consider before buying one, like how long do carbon monoxide detectors last?
Before we answer that question, we will share what carbon monoxide is and how it affects humans. We will also tell you what a carbon monoxide detector is and how does it function. Read on.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide gas is a simple molecule. It is part carbon, and part oxygen. Carbon monoxide is formed when carbon fuel-like gasoline, wood, natural gas, and other types fail to burn. Although carbon monoxide isn’t dangerous when you burn something in well-ventilated places, they are pretty hazardous in a closed environment.
Closed environments like garage, kitchen, basements, and other confined places are hazardous places with carbon monoxide. Without any carbon monoxide-detecting devices, they are quite hard to find. So it’s better if you are equipped with knowledge about how long do carbon monoxide detectors last.
Why is Carbon Dioxide Hazardous?
Carbon monoxide is hazardous because it binds itself with your red blood cells and starves your body with oxygen when passed on through your lungs.
What Are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide symptoms do have early symptoms, such as:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
The Carbon Monoxide Prevention Guide
Although carbon monoxide causes serious concern, they can be easily preventable. To know more about how long carbon monoxide detectors last, here are some tips on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and keep your safety at home.
Providing Proper Ventilation
As we’ve said earlier, carbon monoxide is hazardous in confined areas, such as garage, kitchen, basements. Providing these areas with ventilators that will help gas exit the area is a proven way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Installing a well-placed air ventilator is a key to prevent one. Never let gas remain stagnant in confined areas.
Installing a Carbon Monoxide Detector
One of the best solutions to prevent CO poisoning is to buy a CO detector. They are pretty cheap nowadays and affordable by almost all of the families. Just like a properly installed ventilator, installing a well-placed detector could do you wonders in the process.
Avoid Revving Your Car in the Garage
If you want to warm up your car before going out, we highly advise on doing this outside of your home or just opening the entire gate. This is to avoid the buildup of CO in your garage. A garage is one of the places where stagnant CO is prevalent.
What Is a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
As their name suggests, they detect carbon monoxide in specific areas. Most often, carbon monoxide is effective when installed in places where there are emissions of carbon monoxide. They pretty much work like smoke detectors or fire alarms; in this case, they only detect carbon monoxide. When they detect carbon monoxide, they often sound an alarm.
It may take quite a while for your Detectors to sound an alarm in certain carbon monoxide concentrations, but in heavier concentrations, it would take a few minutes before the alarms take off. The detector’s alarm will only turn off once it detects little to none concentration in the area.
What Should You Do When Your Alarm Goes Off?
First, don’t panic! Gather everyone in your house and make sure everyone’s awake. You should exit your house. However, while on your way out, it is essential to open doors and windows so the carbon monoxide can disperse freely outside.
Second, check everyone’s condition. And try to ask them if they are feeling any signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you notice that one of them may have the poisoning, call immediate help or call 911.
Third, if it is highly possible, don’t enter your home as long as the alarm is still ringing—this highly due to the concentrations of carbon monoxide. Once the alarm stops, it may be the appropriate time to go inside or stay outside for a few minutes.
How Long Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Last?
In most cases of carbon monoxide detectors, they should last around 8 to 10 years. In 2009, the Underwriters Laboratories emphasized CO detectors manufacturers to put an End Of Life warning to alert homeowners that the efficiency of their carbon monoxide detectors is not as effective as it once was.
End of life carbon monoxide detectors cannot detect carbon monoxide in a specific area once they are considered EOL, or End of life. If you think that your detector isn’t quite as efficient as it once was, this may be the appropriate time to replace it.
In most manufacturers, the detector should prompt its users that it already has ended its life. In most cases, there are beeping every 30 seconds. If the carbon monoxide detector is digital, it may display End of Life codes or End Error Codes. Knowing how long do carbon monoxide detectors last is essential as it is for your awareness and the people around you.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide detectors can play a vital role in your family’s safety and protection. They help deter the buildup of carbon monoxide. Figuring out how long do carbon monoxide detectors last may vary from product to product and brand to brand. Nevertheless, installing a carbon monoxide detector will do wonders for the protection of your family. Find out more about Carbon Monoxide Detectors.