Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Invisible. Odorless. Lethal. Detector required.

Why every home needs one

400 CO deaths/year in US. Many preventable with a $30 alarm.
Sources: gas furnace, water heater, fireplace, attached garage, generator, gas range.
Symptoms — headache, dizziness, nausea — often mistaken for flu.
Required by law in 28+ states.

First Alert SCO5CN

$30

Combination smoke + CO. Battery operated. Wirelessly interconnects with others. Best buy.

Best overall.

Kidde Nighthawk

$45

Plug-in style with backup battery. Digital readout shows CO level.

Best plug-in.

Nest Protect

$120

Smart alarm. Phone alert when away. Voice tells you which room. Self-tests.

Best smart.

Kidde i12060

$25

Hardwired (replaces existing alarms). 10-year sealed battery backup.

Best hardwired.

X-Sense Combo

$30

10-year sealed battery. Combination smoke + CO. Cheap, FCC-certified.

Best 10-year.

Where to place

One per floor.
One outside each sleeping area.
Within 10 feet of bedroom doors.
Don't put within 5 feet of fuel-burning appliance (false alarms).
Don't put in kitchen near stove (false alarms).
5-12 feet off floor (CO mixes with air, not just rises).
Test monthly. Replace every 5-7 years.

If alarm sounds

GET OUT immediately. Take everyone + pets.
Call 911 from outside.
Don't go back until fire department clears.
Get medical attention if anyone has symptoms.
Have furnace, water heater, fireplace inspected before re-occupying.
Find source before resuming use.

Prevent CO buildup

Annual furnace + chimney inspection ($100-300).
Never run generator in attached garage — even with door open.
Never use BBQ grill or camp stove indoors.
Keep car/lawnmower running OUTSIDE garage.
Never use oven/stove for heat.
Replace cracked heat exchangers immediately.

Free for seniors

Most fire departments give FREE smoke + CO alarms to seniors. Some install them too. Call your local non-emergency fire line. American Red Cross also runs "Sound the Alarm" — free installation events.