Carbon Monoxide Detectors: What Every Homeowner Should Know

What Carbon Monoxide Is

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Any fuel-burning appliance in your home — furnace, gas water heater, fireplace, gas stove — can produce CO if it's malfunctioning or poorly vented. CO is colorless and odorless, which is why detectors are non-negotiable if you have gas appliances.

In Central Oklahoma, we see CO issues most often during heating season. A cracked heat exchanger in a furnace, a blocked flue pipe, or even running a car in an attached garage with the door down can push CO levels into dangerous territory quickly.

Types of CO Detectors

Not all detectors are the same. Here's what's available:

Battery-operated — Work during power outages, which matters in Oklahoma where storms knock out power regularly. Downside: you have to stay on top of battery replacements.
Plug-in with battery backup — Convenient and always on, with backup power when you need it. This is what we recommend for most homes.
Digital display models — Show real-time CO levels in parts per million (ppm) and store peak readings. Useful if you want to monitor low-level exposure over time.
Smart detectors — Send alerts to your phone, which is valuable if you travel or have a rental property. Brands like Nest and First Alert make solid options.

Where to Install Them

One on every floor of the house
In the hallway outside bedrooms
Within 15 feet of any fuel-burning appliance
Avoid placing near windows, cooking appliances, or humid areas like bathrooms — these cause false readings

HVAC Integration

Higher-end CO detectors can tie into your HVAC system and automatically shut it down if CO levels spike. This is especially valuable as a safety layer for furnaces, since a failing heat exchanger can push CO directly into your ductwork and distribute it throughout the house.

If you're upgrading your HVAC system or replacing a furnace, ask us about integrated CO safety options. It's a relatively small addition that provides serious protection.

Maintenance Schedule

Test detectors monthly (press the test button)
Replace batteries once a year — even in hardwired units
Replace the entire detector every 5-7 years (check the date on the back)
If a detector goes off, get everyone out of the house and call 911. Don't try to find the source yourself.

If you want your furnace inspected for CO safety or need advice on detector placement, give us a call at Trinity Climate Control. We check for CO as part of every heating system maintenance visit.