Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by any fuel-burning appliance — furnaces, gas stoves, fireplaces, generators, and cars. It has no color, no smell, and no taste. Every year, more than 400 Americans die from accidental CO poisoning and thousands more are hospitalized. A CO detector is your only protection.
Why It Matters
Know the Sources
Gas furnaces, boilers, water heaters, fireplaces, gas dryers, and portable generators are the most common sources. Any fuel-burning appliance can produce CO if it malfunctions or is poorly ventilated.
Recognize the Symptoms
Headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion are early symptoms — often mistaken for the flu. If multiple people in your home feel sick simultaneously, evacuate immediately and call 911.
Detector Placement
Install on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas. Place at least one near any gas appliances. Do not install directly next to a fuel-burning appliance — allow at least 15 feet.
Digital Readout Models
Detectors with a digital CO level display (in ppm) let you monitor low-level exposure that doesn't trigger an alarm but may cause long-term health effects at sustained exposure.
Top Products on Amazon
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector
Battery-powered with 9V backup. Loud alarm and peak level memory shows highest CO recorded.
View on Amazon →CO Detector with Digital PPM Display
Shows exact CO level in parts per million. See levels rising before the alarm triggers.
View on Amazon →Nest Protect Smart Smoke + CO
Phone alerts, voice announcements, and smart home integration for both smoke and CO.
View on Amazon →Plug-In CO Detector with Battery Backup
Plugs into any outlet. Battery backup ensures protection during power outages.
View on Amazon →Smoke & CO Combination Detector
One unit covers both hazards. Reduces cost and simplifies installation.
View on Amazon →10-Year Sealed Battery CO Detector
Set and forget for a decade. Electrochemical sensor for accurate, reliable detection.
View on Amazon →