

It’s intelligent enough to alert you to low levels of smoke (such as from high-heat cooking) without blasting the alarm. Google’s popular Nest smart home ecosystem offers an easy-to-use carbon monoxide detector that monitors for dangerous levels while staying alert to smoke from smoldering fires or flames. The light glows green during normal operation but turns red because of an alarm, low battery power, or the end of the unit’s life span.ĭimensions: 2.75 x 1.5 x 4.5 inches | Power Source: Plug-in, with AA battery backup | Smoke Detector: No | | Warranty: 10 yearsĪ smart carbon monoxide detector integrates with your existing smart home setup to keep you informed and protected.
FIRST ALERT CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM 2 SOLID BEEPS MANUAL
This basic model lacks a digital display, so you need to consult the owner’s manual to learn what the small color-coded light signals mean. Whether the unit is running on electricity or battery power, an 85-decibel alarm sounds if it detects carbon monoxide levels exceeding safe levels. It requires two AA batteries, which you may be more likely to have on hand than the 9-volt battery backup some other plug-in carbon monoxide detectors require. Like most similar products, this Kidde model includes a battery backup for uninterrupted monitoring, even if the power supply is interrupted. This model has a 10-year life span that surpasses the 5- or 7-year life expectancy of some other plug-in carbon monoxide detectors. The Kidde KN-COB-DP2 Carbon Monoxide Detector is fast to install-just plug it into a standard electrical outlet. An end-of-life signal chirp and low-battery beep round out the features of this simple unit.ĭimensions: 3.4 x 1.5 x 5 inches | Power Source: 9-volt battery | Smoke Detector: No | Warranty: 5 yearsĪ plug-in carbon monoxide alarm offers a simple solution to protecting yourself against harmful levels of this poisonous gas. While this product represents a good value, it’s worth noting that it should be replaced every 5 years, while some other models offer a 10-year life expectancy. The unit is powered only by a 9-volt battery, so you’re not limited on where to place the carbon monoxide detector because of outlet proximity or electrical wire connections. The First Alert Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector uses a proven form of detection in the form of an electrochemical sensor. Besides the audible 85-decibel alarm, a flashing LED also provides a visual indicator of danger. For under $25, a basic model, like the First Alert CO400, continuously monitors for harmful levels of carbon monoxide and sounds the alarm if such a condition develops. With this parameter in mind, the Kidde Nighthawk is an excellent choice.ĭimensions: 6.06 x 3.75 x 1.75 inches | Power Source: Plug-in, with 9-volt battery backup | Smoke Detector: No | Warranty: 10 yearsĪ budget carbon monoxide alarm is a small investment towards peace of mind. Johnson-Arbor suggests that carbon monoxide detectors should always be placed in or within 10 feet of any sleeping area. When we tested, there were children in another room who were on high alert once the alarm started sounding.ĭr. We found that the volume gets your attention. However, it is loud enough that we feel confident it would wake most people while sleeping. The intermittent pattern of the alarm-four beeps, followed by 5 seconds of silence-may not immediately grab your attention. It provides a reading of current CO levels and is helpful for interpreting the beeps that the device may emit. The digital display is a helpful feature not always found on carbon monoxide detectors. It has just two buttons: for testing the unit and to recall peak levels of detected carbon monoxide (CO), measured in parts per million (PPM). A 9-volt battery backup gives you confidence that the Kidde Nighthawk keeps monitoring for carbon monoxide, even if there is a power outage. The Kidde Nighthawk also stands out for having a simple interface. Once it powers on for the first time, it lasts 10 years before signaling it's time for a replacement. This plug-in model requires no electrical know-how and takes up just one standard outlet. We found it easy to use and reliable, earning it our top recommendation for a carbon monoxide alarm. It doesn’t include a smoke detector function, which was our biggest point of concern. However, it’s an ideal choice if you’re specifically looking for a carbon monoxide alarm and already have hardwired smoke detectors in your home. The Kidde Nighthawk has one purpose: to monitor for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
