Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Alarms

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide, hereafter CO, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials, such as fuels like gas, wood, propane, or charcoal. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, the body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause symptoms such as headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, and loss of consciousness. Anyone exposed to carbon monoxide needs to get into fresh air and seek medical care right away.

What is Explosive Gas?

Explosive gas refers to any common combustible gas such as natural gas, propane or methane. Several manufacturers make combination CO and explosive gas alarms.

Do I Need a Carbon Monoxide or Gas Alarm?

We examine recent building codes and laws when making our recommendations. Many jurisdictions are requiring CO alarms if your home has any of the following items:

• A wood burning or gas burning fireplace or heat stove

• A gas, oil, diesel or coal burning home heater

• Any gas appliances such as stove, oven, water heater, or clothes dryer

• Fuel burning generator in close proximity to the home

• Outdoor fireplaces or heaters that burn any fuel within 15 feet of the home

• An attached garage

• You only need an explosive gas alarm if you utilize explosive gasses in or near your home, such as natural gas, propane, or methane.

Where Should CO & Gas Alarms Be Located?

At a minimum you should locate CO/Gas alarms in the following locations:

• One each floor of the home, including basements

• Outside bedrooms, in a hallway or common area

• In any bedrooms with fuel burning fireplaces or appliances

• Near the entrance to an attached garage

Carbon monoxide and explosive gas alarms can be found that are battery operated, plug into A/C power, or are integrated with smoke alarms. 

It's generally thought to be okay to install CO alarms high or low, just avoid installing within 6 inches of a room or ceiling corner.

How Long Do CO & Explosive Gas Alarms Last?

Most CO & gas alarms don’t last as long as most smoke alarms. Each manufacturer may be different, but most seem to recommend replacing CO or explosive gas alarms every 5-7 years unless they are integrated with a smoke alarm that has a 10 year lifespan.

Last Updated: 11/5/2023