There are many steps we take to protect not only our homes but those living there. Both you and your family may be at risk from a range of dangers, and not just the obvious ones such as fires or intruders.
Another problem that claims many lives is carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer.
People do not realise when they are at risk from carbon monoxide (CO) because there is nothing that they can hear, see, or even smell that gives any indication of danger.
Tam et al., (2012) reveals that best way to prevent CO poisoning is by avoiding exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide. Although breathing oxygen can help treat CO intoxication, it doesn’t always reverse all the symptoms, and in severe cases, there can be long-term effects.
That’s why we have always made sure to have a working carbon monoxide alarm in our properties. Here we run through what we consider to be the best carbon monoxide detectors currently available.
Top-Rated – The Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors In The UK:
We’ve Featured In:
Let’s go through the alarms in our table one by one..:
#1: FireAngel CO-9D Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Thousands of excellent reviews with close to a 5-star rating
- Very affordable pricing
- Auto self-diagnostic checks
- Loud alarm
- Sizeable button to test and silence alarm
- Clear digital screen
- Multi-functional with room temperature reading
- A range of features and benefits
- Sealed unit
- 7-year lifespan
- Portable design to take on trips
- Certified in adherence to safety guidelines
What to Consider:
- Aim to install in all rooms with a fuel-burning appliance
- This is a sealed unit that does not require the purchase of batteries
#2: Kidde 5CO LED Carbon Monoxide Detector
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Great for those on a budget
- Several thousand excellent reviews
- Impressive 10-year lifespan
- Continuous monitoring with an updated design
- Loud alarm to alert householders and flashing lights
- Free-standing or wall-mounted design
- Portable to take on trips
- Operated by 3 AAA batteries that can be replaced
- Comes with a 7-year warranty
- Buy with confidence with Kitemark and CE Mark
- Small and lightweight
What to Consider:
- This is an AAA battery-operated unit and batteries will need to be replaced every 2-3 years
- Place an alarm in all rooms with fuel-burning appliances
#3: Scondaor Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Many great reviews from past buyers
- Reasonable price
- Certified for safety
- High accuracy levels
- Large LCD screen with three LED indicators
- Large test and menu buttons
- Effective audible alarm and flashing light to alert users
- Operated via 3 AA batteries
- Low battery warning
- 10-year lifespan
What to Consider:
- Batteries not included with the unit
- Need to change batteries when indicator recommends
- Aim to have a detector in each room with a fuel-burning appliance
#4: FireAngel CO-9B Carbon Monoxide Detector
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- A budget detector at a low price
- Thousands of excellent ratings from consumers
- Auto self-diagnostic check
- Comes with replaceable 1-year battery
- Large button to test and silence alarm
- Clear LED lights for alarm and power
- Clear audible alarm
- Compact and lightweight design
- Runs on AA batteries
- Easy to install
- Accurate measurement of low CO levels
- Portable design to move around
- Offers 7-year lifespan
- Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty
What to Consider:
- This unit runs on AA batteries that will need to be replaced
- Aim for a detector in every room with a fuel-burning appliance
Our Experience With A FireAngel Carbon Monoxide Detector
We’ve used a FireAngel carbon monoxide alarm for several years now and have always been happy with it’s performance.
Though our model (the CO-9B) has now been superseded by new, more advanced models, we’ve been very happy with its performance.
It emits a flashing light every now and again for a visual indication that it’s still in working order and trying to detect Carbon Monoxide. However, it’s bright enough to notice without being so bright it disturbs your sleep if you, like us, place it in a bedroom.
While we have been fortunate enough to never have had a carbon monoxide leak, the large test button leads to a loud high-pitched alarm that would certainly wake us up from even the deepest sleep!
We’ve had the alarm for around 8 years and it’s still going strong so it has clearly been built to last. For that reason, we strongly recommend FireAngel alarms as some of the best out there.
#5: Scondaor Carbon Monoxide Detector
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Very good reviews from many consumers
- Large digital LCD display
- LED lights to indicate alarm, fault, and standby
- Offers 10-year lifespan
- Meets vital safety standards
- Loud beeping and visual light to sound alarm
- Auto self-diagnostic capabilities
- Easy to install
- Operates via AA batteries (included with alarm)
- Low battery warning and end of life warning
- Compact round design
What to Consider:
- Batteries are included with the unit
- Runs on AA batteries
- Aim to have a detector in each room with a fuel-burning appliance
Choosing the Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for Your Home
Of course, you need to ensure you consider the right factors when it comes to choosing the best carbon monoxide detector for your home.
Some of the key things you need to think about are:
The Price of the Detector
One of the factors you need to consider is the price of the detector, and this can vary based on the make and model you get. It can also depend on the retailer you purchase from.
Obviously, with something as important as these detectors, you need to ensure you invest in quality, so you need to look at far more than just the price.
Make sure you purchase a detector that meets safety regulations and offers reliability and quality.
We found we are always drawn to the middle of the range detectors. They always seemed to us like they offered the best mix of quality and affordability.
Sealed or Replaceable Battery
When you purchase a carbon dioxide detector, you can get sealed or replaceable battery options. Some people think that the best carbon dioxide detectors are replaceable battery ones simply because they are a bit cheaper.
However, you need to remember that the batteries will need to be changed every couple of years or so, and this means the price ends up being pretty much even.
The sealed battery ones do not need to have replacement batteries, and once the battery runs out the unit needs to be replaced.
We have used both in our various homes and have to say we do prefer the sealed units now. That’s simply because batteries have become quite expensive and we enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a sealed unit and knowing you don’t have to worry about battery level (the unit lets you know when it’s about to expire).
We did have an issue once where a sealed detector lost it’s battery power after only a few months (instead of the promised 7+ years). However, when we reported this to the manufacturer, they happily sent us a replacement unit.
Lifespan of the Detector
Another thing to look at is the lifespan of the detector, and this is something you should be able to find out from the manufacturer.
Many detectors have a lifespan of between five to ten years depending on the model and make you buy.
Make sure you are familiar with the signs that indicate your unit needs to be changed so that you can replace it as soon as required rather than having a unit that is not functioning.
Clearly the longer the lifespan the better, though we have noticed that sometimes it’s more cost-effective to buy two shorter life detectors rather than one long-life one.
Just keep in mind that prices are likely to rise over time and so what is more cost-effective now may not be in a few years. Also, check whether the shelf-life starts from when you use the detector for the first time or if it has a preset expiry date.
Reviews from Others
It is always a good idea to see what other people think of the make and model you are considering buying before you make your purchase.
You can do this by looking at online reviews from other people who have purchased the same detector, and this will enable you to pick up a lot of valuable information regarding things such as quality, reliability, efficiency, and features.
This then makes it easier for you to determine the best carbon monoxide detectors for your needs.
Smart Capabilities and Features
Finally, make sure you look at the features and specifications of the detector. This includes whether it has smart capabilities that will notify you of issues via your smart device as well as via the alarm.
This is ideal for those who may have family at home but have to spend a lot of time away for work or other reasons.
One potential candidate is the differential absorption CO measurement (DACOM) introduced by Hill and Sachse (1987). It is a tunable diode laser instrument which is precise and responsive when it comes to measuring carbon monoxide.
To date, there are many monoxide detectors available in the market that can be of great help to property owners to indicate the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s especially important to install capable and sensitive models as low-level, chronic exposure to CO could lead to ongoing tiredness, reduced thinking ability, and dizziness (Tam et al., 2011).
We haven’t invested in a smart detector ourselves yet but we can certainly see the benefits.
What Is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the silent killer. It is a gas that can cause poisoning and prove fatal.
Carbon monoxide is caused by various factors both natural and man-made. The UK Health Security Agency (2022) determines the primary factors for the man-made emission of carbon monoxide is transportation, followed closely by the burning of fuel in power plants.
Cooking activities and malfunctioning gas appliances are the major carbon monoxide contributors to the indoor setting. This includes gas heaters and stoves as well as other appliances that use fossil fuels.
There is no taste or smell, and this gas has no colour to it, and this makes it extremely hard to detect. If this gas is inhaled, it can cause poisoning and death for people and animals.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
When people experience carbon monoxide poisoning, it is because they have breathed in the gas without noticing.
The symptoms can vary depending on your age, but there are some that are commonplace among those who have breathed in carbon monoxide. This includes confusion, vomiting or nausea, dizziness, headaches, feeling weak, and chest pains.
Immediate medical attention should be sought if you believe you or someone else may be experiencing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Where Should a Carbon Monoxide Detector Be Placed?
It is advisable to place your carbon monoxide detector around five feet from the ground. This is because this gas is a little lighter than air, and it is often detected through warm air that rises.
You can also place the device on the ceiling if you prefer. However, you should never place it next to or above the fire or other appliance that poses a risk of carbon monoxide release.
How Many Carbon Monoxide Detectors Should You Have in Your House?
The rule of thumb is to have at least one detector on every floor of your home, just as you might with a smoke alarm. This is to ensure that all floors of your property are covered and that any release of the gas can be detected by the alarm no matter what floor it affects.
You should also ensure you have detectors in areas such as your basement or garage in cases where it is directly linked to your home.
Often, people are affected by this gas when they are asleep, and this is when it is most deadly. So, install a detector in all sleeping areas or just outside the room. Many now recommend having a detector in every room that has a fuel-burning appliance.
We’ve always made sure we have a working carbon monoxide alarm in both our kitchen and our bedroom as a minimum. This is regardless of whether we have a fuel-burning appliance in the room or not.
Bottom Line
The wide range of options makes it much easier these days to find the best carbon monoxide detectors for your needs.
You can also benefit from affordable pricing on many, and this means you do not have to spend a fortune in order to gain protection and peace of mind.
Of course, you should put plenty of thought into your choice and take into consideration the tips above to help you to make your choice.
Also, remember that although the price is an important factor, it is more important to ensure you purchase quality detectors that are constructed to high standards and meet safety regulations.
This is a device that could save your life and the lives of your loved ones, so you should never cut corners when it comes to making this type of purchase.
The Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors For UK Homes:
