Bill Frederickson’s Home Security Tips

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Best Motion Detector Lights

Best Overall

MAXSA Innovations Dual Head Security Spotlight

Leonlite Outdoor Security Light

Read Review

Senses motion 60 feet away
Produces up to 1400 lumens
Withstands extreme weather and temperature

Senses motion 60 feet away
Produces up to 1400 lumens
Withstands extreme weather and temperature

Most Sensitive

Senses motion up to 130 feet away
Uses battery or solar power

Senses motion up to 130 feet away
Uses battery or solar power

View on Amazon

Read Review

Welcome Home Pick

maxsa innovations motion activated led spotlight

MAXSA Innovations 40218

Read Review

Weather and temperature resistant
Equipped with four bright LEDs
Ideal for driveway and entrances

Weather and temperature resistant
Equipped with four bright LEDs
Ideal for driveway and entrances

View on Amazon

Read Review

The Bottom Line: The Leonlite Outdoor Light Shines

The Leonlight is the brightest star our lineup of motion detector lights. It has powerful dual LED outdoor security lights and a durable design that can withstand tough weather and temperatures.

Its motion sensor can detect activity from 60 feet away and in 180-degrees around. Once it’s LED motion light has been triggered, its powerful dual heads produce up to 1400 lumens (about the same brightness as your car’s headlights). This makes it the brightest of the bunch, making it one of the best flood lights if you live in a dark or rural area.

Top Motion Sensor Lights

Leonlite Dual-Head Motion-Activated Security Light | Read Review
Sunforce Solar Motion Light | Read Review
MAXSA Motion-Activated Security Spotlight | Read Review
Baxia Technology Solar Motion Sensor Lights | Read Review
RuggedGrade Solar Flood Light | Read Review
Mr Beams Wireless Spotlight | Read Review

Compare the Top Motion Sensor Lights

List Price *

Motion Detection Range

Lumens

Power Source

Temperature and Weather Resistant

Leonlite Dual-Head Motion-Activated Security Light	Sunforce Solar Motion Light	MAXSA Motion-Activated Security Spotlight	Baxia Technology Solar Motion Sensor Lights	RuggedGrade Solar Flood Light	Mr Beams Wireless Spotlight

$39.26	$21.99	$67.58	$29.99	$79.99	$13.57
70 feet 180°	30 feet 180°	40 feet 180°	32 feet	16 feet	30 feet
1400	850	160	400	1000	140
Wired	Battery or Solar	Battery or Solar	Battery or Solar	Battery or Solar	Battery
Yes	Weatherproof only	Yes	Yes	Weatherproof only	Weatherproof only
View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

*Amazon.com prices as of 12/11/19 3:03 pm MST.

Best Motion Detector Lights Reviews

Leonlite Dual-Head Motion-Activated Outdoor Security Light

View on Amazon

This Leonlite motion detector light strikes a balance between power and energy efficiency.

Usually, when you think of energy efficiency, solar lights probably jump to mind. But this hardwired motion light gives them a run for their money. The Leonlite Motion-Activated Security Light is eligible for state and national energy rebate programs, and it can save you up to 87.5% on your outdoor lighting electricity bill.

On top of shaving a little off your power bill, this is the brightest LED motion light in our lineup. When it senses motion from up to 60 feet away, its powerful dual lights produce up to 1400 lumens, about the same as a car’s headlights. So whether you’re trying to light up your dark backyard or let intruders know you’re home, this light will be hard to ignore.

Pros

Comes in multiple finishes
Has durable, weatherproof housing
Delivers bright, adjustable security lighting

Cons

Has tricky installation
Goes on and off sporadically

Sunforce Outdoor Solar Motion Light

View on Amazon

The Sunforce Solar Motion Light can be adjusted to your personal preferences. So you can change how bright these motion detector lights are when they turn on.

You can program what level of darkness activates the light, how long the light stays on once activated, its sensitivity to motion, and the range of motion detection.

Pros

Customizable features
Bright LED lights
Easy DIY installation

Cons

Short battery life
No way to turn off during the day

MAXSA Motion-Activated Security Outdoor Spotlight

View on Amazon

The solar powered MAXSA Security Spotlight is ideal for sheds, decks, garages, and walkways.

It can detect motion up to forty feet away, and it comes with four super bright 0.5 watt LED lights that give off 160 lumens. It’s easy to install, too, so there’s no need to call an electrician to set this security light onto your siding, doors, or garage.

Pros

Detects motion up to 40 feet
Installs quickly
Monitors more than one area at once

Cons

Costs more
Takes on water

Baxia Technology Solar Motion Sensor Lights

View on Amazon

Baxia’s motion sensor lights have the highest weatherproof rating of any light on our list. These lights are water resistant and can withstand both extreme cold and extreme heat.

Best of all, they come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

30-day money-back guarantee
PIR sensor that detects body heat
Affordable price

Cons

No dimming mode
Inconsistent quality

RuggedGrade Solar Flood Light

View on Amazon

With 1,000 lumens, the RuggedGrade Solar Flood Light easily scares away burglars and safely lights your way when you’re outside at night.

Plus, it’s solar powered, so you don’t need to change batteries—just hook up the solar power cable and panel to keep this floodlight bright and ready for action.

Pros

Dimming feature
Great customer reviews
Sturdy, weatherproof construction

Cons

High price tag
Delayed motion sensor activation

Mr Beams Wireless Outdoor Spotlight

Budget Pick

View on Amazon

This motion-activated security spotlight packs a powerful punch that won’t bust your budget.

Whether you’re looking to enhance home security or add extra safety to dark entryways, this light fits just about anywhere. Even though it may be small, the Mr Beams Wireless LED Spotlight provides up to 140 lumens of bright LED light.

This durable motion detecting spotlight is so affordable you may want to buy multiple units for all your outdoor lighting needs. You can pick up one Mr Beams Spotlight for less than $20 or get a four-pack for around $60.

The Mr Beams Spotlight claims to be waterproof, but customers have found corrosion inside the sensors due to moisture, so it’s something to consider if you live in a moist climate.

Pros

Easy installation
Auto shut-off
UV light sensor

Cons

Touchy sensor
Inconsistent quality

Things to Consider in a Motion Sensor Light

Why do I want motion detector lights?

Indoor or outdoor, motion sensor lights provide security, convenience, and energy efficiency. There may be one main reason you’re looking for motion-activated lighting, or you may want to take advantage of all the benefits. Your primary reason will help you figure out the answers to other questions, like what type of bulb to get.

For security, you might want an outdoor motion sensor lights that’s surprise an intruders and scare them off. On the other hand, a motion light that makes sure you don’t get tripped up on your way into the house can be less powerful.

What type of lightbulb should I get?

Many outdoor motion sensor lights use LED to help save on electricity and minimize the chance of fire from a traditional, incandescent bulb that gets hot while in use.

The downside is that LED security lights are often dimmer, which can be a deal breaker if you want to illuminate a big area or startle trespassers. Incandescent light bulbs use more energy and need to be replaced more often, but they tend to be much brighter.

Because you’re looking for motion sensor lighting, you should have less worry about incandescent lights heating up from being left on too long.

How much area should my motion detector lights cover?

The amount of coverage provided by a motion light is determined by the motion sensor range and the brightness of the light bulbs. If you’re looking to light up a small area like the front porch, you may only need a motion sensor with a range of a few feet.

But if you want to illuminate a larger area like an entire backyard, you might want LED security lights with a range of 70 feet or more. You can also power up the reach of your motion light with bright bulbs that use more lumens. Small areas can get by with as little as 42 lumens, while floodlights can use up to 3,400.

What type of power source is best?

You can get motion sensor light fixtures that are hardwired, battery powered, or solar powered. The benefit of lights that use battery power or a solar panel is that you don’t have to install them near an electrical outlet. But solar panels need to be affixed where they’ll get enough sunlight for a full charge.

The drawbacks with battery and solar power are that your security can be compromised due to a dead battery or a cloudy day. You also sacrifice brightness with those power sources, as the brightest lights tend to use hardwiring.

If you do go with hardwired motion lights, be sure to plan ahead in case you need to run wires through walls or secure extension cords.

Can I add motion sensor lights to my security system?

You should be able to add motion sensor lights to an existing home security system. Contact your security provider to find out if motion sensor lights are available. If the company you use doesn’t offer motion lights, find out if the system is compatible with any third-party motion sensor lights.

The benefit of having motion lights integrated into your security system is the convenience of mobile alerts when the lights are activated. Plus, if you have security cameras, the lights can help you get better footage in low-light situations.

Motion Detection Resources

Our Approach

We delved into industry research and reviews from real users to evaluate product performance, features, and specs. We also explored the FCC rules for LED lighting and consulted expert reviews to help us determine the best motion sensor lights of 2018. We picked our top ten after looking at more than fifteen products that were compared for effectiveness, reliability, customer satisfaction, and affordability.

12 hours researched
17 products considered
2,700+ customer reviews
8 coffees consumed

*Amazon.com list price as of 12/11/19 03:03 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

The post Best Motion Detector Lights appeared first on SafeWise.

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How to Prevent Falls

Fall Prevention 101

Your friend Betty tripped over a kitchen rug when she went to do the dishes and ended up in the hospital. You strongly considered switching to paper plates, and you worried that even routine, daily activities could cause a fall that might result in hip fractures or other broken bones. Yet at the same time, you want to stay active for as long as possible. It’s a pickle, that’s for sure.

You might not feel comfortable admitting that you have a fear of falling, but don’t be embarrassed—you’re not alone. According to the National Council on Aging, more and more people over the age of 65 share this concern. After all, 25% of Americans 65 and older fall each year, and fall injuries are one of the leading causes of death for older Americans.¹

Fortunately, there are plenty of simple interventions to prevent falls.

Talk to Your Doctor
Create a Fall-Free Home
Dress for Success
Get Active
Consider a Medical Alert System
Be Aware

1. Talk to Your Doctor

It’s not just a line from a pharmaceutical ad—talking to your primary care doctor is critical to understanding your fall risk factors because they know your medical history and the medications you’re taking.

Chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart problems, and nerve damage (to name just a few) can affect your coordination, balance, and gait.
Your medication might also have side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, reduced muscle strength, or temporary disorientation that can lead to a fall.

Be proactive.

At your next physical assessment, say, “Okay, doc. I’ve heard that people fall a lot when they get to my age. What are my risks?”

Ask if any of your health conditions or medications might mess with your balance.
Get your annual physical, and have your vision, hearing, and blood pressure checked regularly.
Using preventative maintenance to take care of your body is one of the smartest things you can do to prevent a fall.

When your doctor knows these things are important to you, they’ll be more likely to help you select medications and treatments that will keep you mobile and active for longer.

2. Create a Fall-Free Home

There are plenty of steps you can take at home to reduce fall hazards and make your space easier to navigate. So what does a fall-free environment look like?

Tips for a Fall-Free Home

Clear floor hazards, like loose rugs, electrical cords, low furniture in walkways, and roaming cats. (Just kidding. Kind of. More on cats later.)
Add nonslip mats to areas that might get slick, like front steps, bathtubs, and showers.
Clear that pile of stuff on your stairs that you keep meaning to take up with you on your next trip.
Make like a rock climber and give yourself some solid handholds for tricky spots, like stairs, showers, and toilets. Make sure they’re nice and secure.
Light it up! Add night-lights to hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms so you don’t have to fumble through the dark during those midnight bathroom breaks and snack runs.

Check out our senior safety guide for more tips on injury prevention at home.

For extra lighting: GE 3-in-1 LED Power Failure Light, Flashlight, and Night-Light

We like the GE 3-in-1 lights for added nighttime lighting. They’ll come on automatically if you ever lose power, and you can unplug them from the wall for use as a flashlight.

For extra lighting

GE 3-in-1 LED Power Failure Light, Flashlight, and Night-Light

LED lights
No batteries required
Automatic light sensors

View on Amazon

3. Dress for Success

Before you have to trade your favorite dress or slacks for a hospital gown, consider a more practical wardrobe. Think good grip and good fit.

Make sure your footwear is secure (time to bid farewell to flip-flops) and has a sturdy sole with good traction. If you’re a creature of comfort and prefer stocking feet around the house, consider wearing socks with grip treads on the bottom.

Wear clothes that fit well, don’t drag on the ground, and stay out of your way when you move.

Pro Tip

Looking for slip-resistant shoes? Do a Google search for “restaurant shoes.” Because restaurant workers are likely to encounter slippery situations, they’re required to wear shoes with good grip. Your search should turn up comfortable shoes in a variety of styles.

4. Get Active

Why on earth would you want to get up and move more if you’re worried about falling? We know it seems counterintuitive, but older individuals who engage in physical activity through community exercise classes find that they enjoy better balance and are 35%–40% less likely to suffer a fall.² In fact, evidence-based fall prevention programs are designed specifically for older adults who are concerned about their risk of falling.

If you want to take the more traditional fitness route, check your community for gentle mindfulness exercise classes like tai chi or yoga.
For evidence-based fall prevention training, look for programs like Stepping On or the Otago exercise program, which are designed specifically for older people. You don’t even have to be steady on your feet to participate.
Classes like A Matter of Balance let you do all of your exercises sitting down to ensure your comfort and safety as you participate. These classes also teach specific strategies to minimize your risk of falling so you can learn about the little things you can do every day to protect yourself against falls and increase your mobility.

5. Consider a Medical Alert System

Sometimes the fear of a thing causes more problems than the thing itself. If you’re finding that your nightmares often include images of the lady on the kitchen floor crying, “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” then it might be time to consider a medical alert system.

Fortunately, medical alert systems have changed quite a bit since the I’ve-fallen-and-I-can’t-get-up lady was on the air. While some systems still have the traditional base unit and bulky medical pendant, many systems now offer emergency help buttons that look like regular jewelry or watches. You can also choose between a medical alert with GPS that you can take with you when you’re out and about, or a home unit that can give you some added security when you’re around the house.

Company

Base Monthly Price

Fall Detection

Standout Feature

Learn More

Best for Home	Best for On the Go	Best for Budget

Medical Guardian	LifeFone	Bay Alarm
$29.95	$24.95	$19.95
✓ Yes	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Discreet Wearables	App-only plans	Multilingual services
View Plans	View Plans	View Plans

6. Be Aware

Sometimes, staying safe is just using common sense.

Take your time when getting up and down from a couch or a chair.
Use handrails on stairs and in the bathroom, and don’t hop up on a chair or a table to reach something high.
Keep items you need in easy-to-reach spots, and avoid carrying too much stuff at one time.

If you have pets

If you have pets—like cats that are convinced they’re starving and thus like to weave through your legs as you’re trying to walk into the kitchen—be aware of their location as you move through your home. Make sure you can always see the floor or ground in front of you, and avoid walking on wet or icy surfaces.

If you’re unsteady on your feet

If you know you’re unsteady on your feet, make yourself a little nest with everything you need, like the remote control, your phone, important medications, snacks, and a drink. That way you can stay in one spot longer and reduce your risk for falls. This is especially important at bedtime so you don’t have to wander around at night when it’s dark and you’re more tired.

Other Tips

If you have a medical alert system, wear your pendant.
If you have hearing aids or glasses, wear them.
If you have a walker or a cane to help keep you steady, use it.
Take your medications and vitamins (don’t forget that calcium for strong bones!) and if you forget, set a reminder on your phone or ask a friend, family member, or medical alert agent to remind you.

It’s okay to enlist the help of loved ones in your fall prevention strategies. They probably don’t want to see you rocking a hospital gown either. (Have you seen the price of flowers in hospital gift shops?) Remember, it’s the little habits that keep you healthy and safe.

For more info on how to stay safe at home, check out our senior safety FAQ.

FAQs

My doctor said something about “fall prevention interventions.” What does that mean?

We know it sounds scary, but don’t worry, it isn’t like an addiction intervention you see on TV. The term refers to all the things we’ve listed here—things you can do to reduce your risk of falls.

What is a risk assessment tool?

A risk assessment tool is a screening process used by your doctor to determine your risk of falling based on your specific risk factors and physical challenges, like visual impairment or low blood pressure. Risk assessment tools are usually created using trial participants and have been found to be very effective for creating more tailored interventions to prevent falls.

How do I talk to an aging loved one about the risk of falls?

A great way to begin is to encourage them to meet up with other older adults in their community at an exercise class or fall prevention program. Your loved one will get the education they need to stay safer, and they’ll have the opportunity to connect in a positive way with others facing the same lifestyle changes they are. Exercise and community involvement are just a few of our many recommended tools for senior independence.

Related Pages on SafeWise

Sources:

National Council on Aging, “Falls Prevention Facts”
National Council on Aging, “Evidence-based Falls Prevention Programs”

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The Best Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors of 2019

Best Overall

Google Nest Protect Smoke/CO Detector

Read Review

Smart home compatibility
Dual functionality

Smart home compatibility
Dual functionality

Best Voice Control

Amazon Alexa integration
Long battery life

Amazon Alexa integration
Long battery life

Best Value

Affordable price tag
Digital display

Affordable price tag
Digital display

View on Amazon

Read Review

SafeWise News Alert: September 2019

On September 10, 2019 the House unanimously passed a $300 million bill that requires carbon monoxide detectors in all federally subsidized housing units. The move comes after more than a dozen residents died from carbon monoxide poisoning over the past 16 years. Four of those deaths occurred in 2019.

The bill allows for $300 million over three years to purchase and install CO detectors in public housing—where more than four million Americans live. A similar proposal is on the slate for Senate review.

Bottom Line: Google Nest Protect Offers More Than Basic CO Protection

Nest was one of the first companies to combine a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detection with smart tech. Because both hazards can be devastating, we like that you can get double the protection in one device. The addition of mobile alerts via the Nest app ensures you’ll get early warning of danger from carbon monoxide poisoning no matter where you are.

But you’ll pay for the Nest Protect’s extra protections—it starts around $120, which is a lot compared to a simpler carbon monoxide alarm that usually falls around $20.

Here Are the Top 6 Carbon Monoxide Detectors of 2019

Google Nest Protect: Best Overall
Kidde Nighthawk CO Alarm: Best Value
First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound: Best Voice Control
First Alert CO400 Alarm: Budget Pick
Kidde Battery-Operated: Easy Installation
First Alert CO605 Detector: Best Basic Detection

Compare CO Detectors and Alarms

After hours of research and testing, we’ve found the best carbon monoxide detectors available. From basic battery operated to smart devices, you can find the top options here.

List Price *

Smart Features

Digital Display

Smoke Sensor

Best Overall	Best Voice Control	Best Value	Best 2-in-1	Easy Installation	Budget Pick
Nest Protect	First Alert OneLink	Kidde Nighthawk	Arikon Smoke and CO Detector	Kidde Battery-Operated	First Alert C0400

$119.00	$149.99	$27.05	$22.99	$21.97	$13.99
Yes ✓	Yes ✓	No X	No X	No X	No X
Yes ✓	No X	Yes ✓	Yes ✓	Yes ✓	No X
Yes ✓	Yes ✓	No X	Yes ✓	No X	No X
View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

*Amazon.com prices as of 12/11/19 01:28 pm MST.

CO Detector and Alarm Reviews

Google Nest Protect: Best Overall Carbon Monoxide Detector

Best Overall

View on Amazon

Nest Protect combines smoke and carbon monoxide detection and works with an app. When you download it, you can get alerts to your phone and even silence alarms if necessary. With state-of-the-art sensors for both fire and carbon monoxide, this alarm is one of the best for homeowners or renters.

You can’t change the batteries in this unit, so you’ll need to replace the whole thing once it expires. But at $120, Nest Protect is still a good value if it lasts for its full life expectancy of 10 years

Pros

Works with other smart home devices
Doubles as smoke detector
Comes with battery or hardwire capabilities
Features voice notifications

Cons

When the battery dies, you'll need a new alarm

First Alert Onelink: Best Voice Control

Best Voice Control

View on Amazon

This smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector can do a lot. Using your home’s wifi, the alarms can talk to one another and synchronize to alert you if there is a gas leak or fire. You can also control it from your Apple device through an app, so you can silence the alarm or get notifications on your phone.

Onelink doesn’t have a battery compartment that you can access, so when it dies you’ll need to get a new CO detector. With a price tag over $200, that steep replacement cost might be more than some want to pay.

Pros

10-year battery
Mobile app
Voice alarm
Syncing system
Built-in smoke alarm

Cons

Big price tag
When the battery dies, you'll need a new alarm

Kidde Nighthawk: Best Value

Best Value

View on Amazon

As the world’s largest fire safety product manufacturer, Kidde also produces high quality carbon monoxide detectors. While it’s not the cheapest option on our list, the Nighthawk packs in the most features for the best price.

With a digital display, you can read your home’s carbon monoxide levels easily. Plus, the device refreshes its data every 15 seconds so you’ll know if something isn’t right. If your device sounds, you’ll definitely hear it. This carbon monoxide alarm lets out an 85 db beep that’s as loud as a blender.

Pros

Affordable price
Digital display
Positive customer reviews
Backup battery

Cons

Not compatible with home automation
Hardwired only

Arikon Smoke and CO Detector: Best 2-in-1

Best 2-in-1

Arikon Smoke and carbon monoxide detector

Arikon Smoke and CO Detector

View on Amazon

The Arikon smoke and carbon monoxide sensor works twice as hard and looks good doing it. It uses both photoelectric and electrochemical sensors to detect smoke and carbon monoxide at once. This means you won’t have to install a ton of devices throughout your home.

Its 85-decibel siren and indicator lights are hard to ignore too. The lights show you when it senses danger and when the batteries are running low. It doesn’t hurt that they look cool too.

The only thing separating this Arikon smoke and CO detector from the big hitters like Nest Protect and OneLink is smart features. But this can be a plus if you’re more interested in basic protection. The basic features keep it affordable and easy to install anywhere in your home.

Pros

Detects smoke and carbon monoxide
Loud siren
Indicator light

Cons

No smart features

Kidde Battery-Operated: Easy Installation

Easy Installation

View on Amazon

Kidde’s battery-operated CO detector is equipped with an electrochemical sensor, which is the best way to detect CO in your home. The digital display makes it easy to monitor levels of carbon monoxide. Plus, an 85 dB alarm ensures you won’t miss an alert.

You’ll appreciate the simple setup and operation of this device. All you have to do is pop in some batteries and mount it on the wall. But simplicity comes with drawbacks—there’s no smart home compatibility in this detector.

Pros

Digital display
Frequent readings
Easy installation
Affordable price

Cons

No home automation

First Alert CO400 Alarm: Best for Your Budget

Budget Pick

View on Amazon

This sweet little unit ensures that money stays in your pocket and your family stays safe—all while keeping safety on the down-low with its slim design. The First Alert CO400 Carbon Monoxide Detector doesn’t require an outlet, so it can be placed anywhere, which gives you a lot of options.

It’s nice that you can change the batteries in this CO alarm, but the battery compartment is difficult to get into. Our advice: take a few deep breaths before swapping out the batteries.

Pros

Cheap price tag
Dependable readings
Basic design

Cons

Tricky battery compartment
No smart home features

Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

There are several types of carbon monoxide detectors available for purchase, some include multiple functions.

Dual-function – sense different threats like CO, smoke, and fire.
Digital – show you levels of carbon monoxide on a digital screen.
Smart – run diagnostics and sync with home automation apps.
Hardwired – wired into your home’s electrical grid, works unless the power goes out.
Battery-operated – basic sensing and display, needs batteries to operate.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors FAQs

Check out our full frequently asked questions page to learn more about carbon monoxide detectors.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

CO poisoning creates flu-like symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, or fainting.

How common is CO poisoning?

Every year, 400 Americans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and 20,000 are admitted to the emergency room.

Who is most susceptible to CO poisoning?

Everyone is susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning, but children, older adults, people who are physically ill, and pets are more likely to be affected by CO.

What do I do I get CO poisoning?

If you’re at home, get out of the house and call 911. CO poisoning doesn’t always hit suddenly and doesn’t leave your system quickly, so it’s a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as you can.

What is a carbon monoxide detector?

Carbon monoxide detectors work like smoke detectors, but detect levels of carbon monoxide instead.

These are the most common sensors in CO detectors:

Biomimetic detectors use color-changing gels that absorb carbon monoxide which triggers the alarm.
Metal oxide semiconductors have silica chips that detect CO and send electrical signals to trigger an alarm.
Electrochemical sensors use electrodes in chemical solutions that sense changes in electrical currents when carbon monoxide is present, and they sound an alarm.

Most professionally monitored security systems come with a CO detector. Check out our top security providers to see which home security systems include CO detectors with their monitoring plans.

Where should I install carbon monoxide detectors?

Put a carbon monoxide detector outside every separate sleeping area in your home, your kitchen, basement, and garage. We recommend finding an area far enough from the carbon monoxide source, but close enough to the areas you and your family normally occupy.

Check out our full guide on where to install your own carbon monoxide detectors.

How to Maintain a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Most carbon monoxide detectors last an average of five years. Although the product’s lifetime will vary depending on your make and model, you can still get the most out of your detector by wiping it down weekly to keep it clean from dust and debris.

Just like your smoke detectors, it’s a good idea to test your CO detector monthly. Start by pressing the “test” button to ensure the siren works. If your detector is older, you can purchase a carbon monoxide meter to find out if your detector is still fully functional. If the carbon monoxide sensor doesn’t go off when you test it, it’s probably time to buy a new one.

Know What Can Make Carbon Monoxide Gas

chart showing common causes of Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) has been called the “silent and invisible killer” because it doesn’t have a smell, color, or taste. It’s one of the most prevalent causes of death due to poisoning in America. Any time you burn something—like gasoline, natural gas, wood, oil, propane, or charcoal—carbon monoxide is released into the air.

In outdoor spaces, this usually isn’t a health hazard because there is enough area for the CO to dissipate, so particles never amount to a toxic level. The danger comes when carbon monoxide is released in a contained area like your home, RV, or garage.

Anything that burns will create carbon monoxide. It’s not just your stove, fireplace, or grill either. Here are some of the things that can create carbon monoxide when turned on:

Appliances
Gas grills
Gas stoves
Gas or oil-burning furnaces
Fuel-burning water heaters

Non-electric space heaters
Tools
Snowblowers
Lawnmowers

Pressure washers
Generators
Non-electric cars, trucks, and boats
Chain saws

Know What To Do and What Not To Do

Lighting a fire in your fireplace is okay if it’s properly ventilated. However, if you do the following, you could cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build in your home.

Do

Always vent gas appliances properly
Get your chimney checked annually to ensure proper ventilation

Fireplace image

Don’t

Never burn gas grills inside your home
Don’t use your gas stove/oven for heating
Don’t leave the car running with the garage door closed
Don’t patch or seal vent pipes with tape or unapproved products or carbon monoxide could leak into your home
Don’t ever burn charcoal inside
Never run a generator in your home or within 20 feet of your home’s doors, windows, and garage
Don’t turn on your car if the tailpipe is blocked (by snow or anything else)

*Amazon.com list price as of 12/11/19 01:28 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

The post The Best Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors of 2019 appeared first on SafeWise.

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