How to Choose a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Carbon monoxide (CO) is created anytime a fuel such as gasoline, oil, wood, or propane is burned, and can be caused by many common household appliances. It is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths. Odorless, tasteless and invisible, the only safe way to know if you are being poisoned is to install a CO alarm on every level of your home and in sleeping areas.

The experts at Kidde recommend choosing CO alarms that have the most accurate sensing technology available. CO alarms are designed to alert the homeowner when carbon monoxide levels have begun to accumulate over a period of time, and will alarm before most people would experience any CO poisoning symptoms. The more accurate the alarm, the greater chance a family will respond appropriately to the problem.

Below are key factors to look for when purchasing a CO alarm:

• Electrochemical sensor: Alarms with electrochemical sensors are more stable during humidity and temperature changes and resist reacting to common household chemicals that may cause false readings. Kidde's CO alarms include Nighthawk™ technology, which has been proven to be the world's most accurate CO sensing technology based on claims by major manufacturers.
• End-of-life warning: This feature alerts consumers when it's time to replace the alarm. Kidde is the only major manufacturer who tests its CO alarms for long-term reliability, and whose alarms have a built-in end-of-life feature.
• UL or CSA or Listed or Kitemarked: CO alarms should meet the strict third-party standards set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or BSI. A UL Listed or CSA Listed or Kitemarked label should be printed on the product's packaging. Kidde is the only major manufacturer whose CO alarms currently meet the strict standards set forth by both UL and CSA.