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," that can be potentially poisonous. The only way to detect a CO leak in your home is with working CO alarms, and that’s why all homes need carbon monoxide detectors.

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 a smoke detector, 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 different 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 the need to replace the batteries for the life of the alarm and late night battery chirps. 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 the bookshelf.

Plug-In Alarms

Plug-in alarms are convenient and provide reliable protection for your family. Installation of this type of CO gas detector is as simple as plugging it into your home’s standard electrical socket. This plug-in CO alarm has a battery back-up that continues to provide protection against CO in case your house loses power. This combination alarm detects both carbon monoxide and explosive gases. It also has a backlit digital display to provide a clear read.

Combination Alarms

First Alert also offers combination alarms, which provide 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. 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.

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 CO detectors that meet your home and families’ needs at First Alert.