What is the Difference Between a Smoke Detector and a CO Detector?
Unfortunately, CO or carbon monoxide detectors aren’t something as widely-used as smoke detectors. These two are essential for living a healthy, happy home, and both can save your life as well. But, people don’t often see the needs for a CO detector, and may not know how they work. Hence, it is just essential to spend on both safety devices, as they do entirely separate things. Read on to better understand the difference between CO carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
What is a CO Detector?
CO or carbon monoxide is popularly known as a silent killer because it is tasteless, odorless, and totally invisible. It is quite literally impossible to determine whether or not there’s a surplus or carbon monoxide in your property without a detector. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadliest. Even when it is not fatal, excessive exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to serious breathing issues. A CO detector is the best way to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide in a reliable manner. They must be installed where they can be heard throughout the house and must be close to your bedroom. A CO detector helps you stay safe from poisoning.
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What is a Smoke Detector?
This kind of detector works to detect smoke from possible fires in the atmosphere. In most cases, smoke detector functions through the help of an infrared beam, which is produced in the eye of the sensor. Once the laser is busted by smoke, it creates a sound to alert homeowners or those inside the building for a possible fire. This kind of alarm is vital for the homeowner to keep their family safe. Installing a smoke detector can help reduce the potential loss of property and life. Just make sure the battery is always new and is working correctly so you can keep your property and loved ones safe.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Fire and carbon monoxide are issues that should not be taken lightly. Both types of detectors have their own sets of pros and cons. If fire is common to your area, installing a smoke detector is a good idea. In some areas or states, properties are required to have a smoke detector in place to keep your property and loved ones safe in case of fire.
A CO detector, on the other hand, is entirely up to you. In most cases, carbon monoxide detector isn’t something that every homeowner or business owner needs. People can add a carbon monoxide detector to their homes based on many factors. If your home has a wood burning stove or a fireplace, then installing a carbon monoxide detector is highly advisable, as both are common sources of carbon monoxide.
You may also need to spend in CO detector if there has been a previous leak of gas in your home or when there has been CO reported in your home. You can discuss with your installer to know what kind of sensor is best for your home and know what type of detector is going to work best.
