Different Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A mother sits on a couch with her young son as he reads a book.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, known as the "silent killer," and can be potentially poisonous. The only way to detect a CO leak in your home is with working carbon monoxide detectors, and that’s why it is important to install alarms in your home.

Finding the best type of carbon monoxide detector for your home and family can help protect what matters most from the "silent killer." Similar to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors detect elevated levels of CO throughout your home. There are a variety of different types of CO detectors from which you can choose, each with varying features that you and your family can utilize. First Alert is the #1 brand in fire safety, and your family’s safety is our number one priority.

10-Year Sealed Battery Alarms

Ten-year sealed battery alarms eliminate late night battery chirps and the need to replace the batteries for the life of the alarm. The 10-year battery, CO710 carbon monoxide alarm comes with an easy-to-read backlit digital LED display screen that shows both the temperature, as well as the CO concentration levels when detected. The detector also has a no installation, sleek design meant to be placed on tabletops, anywhere from a coffee table to a bookshelf.

Plug-In Alarms

Plug-in alarms are convenient and provide reliable protection for your family. Installation of this type of carbon monoxide detector is as simple as plugging it into your home’s standard electrical socket. This plug-in CO alarm has a battery backup that continues to provide protection against CO in case your house loses power. Some of our hardwired detectors even come with a battery backup, such as this combination alarm that comes with two AA batteries to help keep your alarm functioning when your home loses power.

Combination Alarms

First Alert also offers combination alarms. This type of detector provides 2-in-1 protection against smoke and carbon monoxide. This combination photoelectric smoke and carbon monoxide alarm is sleek and easy to install. The detector also features programmable voice alerts to indicate the type of danger and the location of the detected CO gas or fire threat in your home. It is powered by a 10-year battery that lasts the life of the alarm. This combination alarm detects both carbon monoxide and explosive gases. It also has a backlit digital display to provide a clear read.

Investing in a carbon monoxide alarm is a small price to pay to help make sure you and your family are protected in the event of an emergency. Find the type of CO detector that meets your home and families’ needs at First Alert.