Overview
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, odorless and highly toxic gas. The Carrier® CO alarm uses sophisticated sensor technology to detect and record levels of CO.
You can monitor the current CO level in your home on a large, easy-to-read digital display. When dangerous levels of CO are present, a loud, audible alarm alerts you and your family automatically.
Why This Carbon Monoxide Detector Is Right for You
- Monitoring: Monitors CO levels, updating every 15 seconds.
- Alarm: When activated, the alarm makes a loud pulsating sound at 85 decibels.
- Power Source: It plugs into any standard electrical outlet and lithium-ion backup battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
A common best practice is to have a carbon monoxide alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level you regularly occupy, including the basement if you have one. Follow the manufacturer placement instructions for wall or ceiling mounting, and avoid putting alarms in spots where airflow is blocked.
Treat it as urgent. Get everyone outside to fresh air right away, including pets, and call emergency services from outdoors. Do not ignore the alarm or try to find the source first. Once it is safe to return, schedule an inspection of fuel-burning appliances and venting to find the cause.
Yes. Exhaust can move through small gaps around doors, ductwork, and framing, especially if a car is started and the garage door is not fully open. Cold weather in Medina, Ohio can also lead people to warm up vehicles longer, which increases risk. Keep vehicles from idling in the garage and make sure the home has working CO alarms near sleeping areas.
Backdrafting is when combustion gases are pulled back into the home instead of venting outdoors. It can happen when a house is under negative pressure, like when a range hood, dryer, or bathroom fan is running. Proper venting, enough makeup air, and correct appliance setup help prevent this.
Common issues include placing alarms too close to cooking appliances, blocking them behind furniture or curtains, or skipping upper levels and sleeping areas. Another mistake is putting alarms in high-humidity spots like bathrooms, where nuisance alerts can happen. Always follow the unit instructions and keep alarms in open, breathable locations.
Many manufacturers recommend testing regularly using the test button and keeping the unit free of dust. A quick vacuum with a soft brush attachment around the vents can help. If the alarm is chirping, showing an error, or has reached its end-of-life date, it should be replaced.
Choosing a UL listed carbon monoxide alarm is a smart safety baseline because it shows the unit was tested to a recognized performance standard. Look for the UL mark on the device or packaging. This helps you avoid off-brand products that may not perform reliably when it matters.
Call a professional if alarms alert, if you notice soot near a furnace or water heater, if vents look damaged, or if family members feel sick mainly at home. A proper inspection checks combustion, venting, and airflow so you are not guessing. In Medina County and nearby areas, Gene’s Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical can help identify likely sources and recommend practical fixes.
