Carbon monoxide is very hard to detect. It is colorless and orderless, yet even in small concentrations can be very dangerous to you and your loved ones. This toxic gas can be produced by many things in your home, including a gas stove, furnace, fireplace, water heater or a car that is started in an attached closed garage. Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in your home to alert you to a rise in this dangerous gas in your environment.There are various manufacturers of carbon monoxide detectors, so you may be wondering if they are all the same, and if one is recommended over another. The answer is, yes, there are vast differences in the models available on the market today. It is critical to understand the differences, so we will review those shortly. First, we want to share with you some basic facts relating to the critical life saving benefits of superior carbon monoxide detectors.Most carbon monoxide detectors available are just not sensitive enough to detect lower levels of the dangerous gas. The majority of these detectors only sound an alarm after they have detected carbon monoxide at a level of 70ppm, for two hours or more. Studies show that a person can begin to feel sick, even experiencing flu-like symptoms, when they have been exposed to levels in the 35ppm range! Additionally, the elderly, the very young or those who have certain health challenges can be adversely affected by even lower levels of carbon monoxide.Let's go over those critical differences between the model that we recommend, the NSI 3000 Low Level Monitor, as compared to the typical units widely available. The features listed below are benefits of the NSI 3000.
Initial visual, within 30 seconds, at 5ppm
Low audible alert, after 5 minutes, at 15ppm
High audible alert, after 5 minutes, at 35ppm
Crisis level alert, after 30 seconds, at 70ppm
Continuous on-screen digital display
Display range of 5ppm - 999ppm
Converts to convenient tabletop use
Response instructions printed on unit
Maximum protection for all ages
If you have a CO detector already, that's great, you are in the minority and you should be complimented! Here's a few other tips that might help in keeping you safe with the units you already have.1. Mount the unit close to eye level. CO is unlike smoke, it doesn't rise, so mounting the unit at where you're most likely to breathe is a good idea.2. Mount the unit at least on every level of the home, or if it's a larger ranch style home, mount them at each end of the home, or close to often used bedrooms.3. Do not use the plug in style. Most CO contamination happens when the power is out (generators, fireplaces, other gas heating appliances). Not only is this style mounted near the floor (where most outlets are located), but they can't operate when the power is out, therefore not giving you the alarm when it might be most needed.4. Replace your CO detectors once ever 3-5 years. The sensors on CO detectors are very sensitive, and loose their sensitivity over time.5. If your CO detector alarm sounds, get out of the house, leave the door open to provide some fresh air and call the gas company or emergency responders.We provide indoor air quality solutions for our customers that help keep them safe from threats like CO. Contact us today for a home evaluation.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about CO detectors and other HVAC topics, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.