What Most Homeowners Don’t Know About Carbon Monoxide Detectors

[@jamesmills9240]

I was in one of my rental houses and noticed that the carbon monoxide detector was missing. I asked what happened to it and the tenant said that it had started beeping at random and then would stop. He had placed it under a stack of towels in the closet. This was in early May. I replaced it with a talking detector. Late September when the furnace turned on it started screaming leave the house immediately carbon monoxide has been detected! If I had not replaced it with a talking detector it would have been under the towels and the tenant would probably be dead. I have since replaced all carbon monoxide detectors with ones that talk.

[@diyhvacguy]

Oh my goodness! That’s super scary! Thanks so much for sharing. The talking ones are definitely good. Like we shouldn’t assume people know what that means when it beeps, especially people who aren’t accustomed to having a forced air furnace. Thanks for the comment! Cheers

[@robertnewman4105]

When I first bought my rental property, my first maintenance trip thru the units, I checked and put batteries in or replaced all the smoke alarms as needed. A couple months later a tenant had an incident where she left a stove burner on and started smoking her pot and the hallway alarm alerted her. She called the fire company and they said all looks good, smoke alarm worked. Since then I've always maintained them.

[@stevepettersen3283]

Tenant pulls a CO detector and doesn't tell me, he gets a written warning. If the idiot dies of CO poisoning there's proof he removed it once, maybe again.

[@slidewaze]

Hoping you got the furnace fixed....

[@jamesmills9240]

@@slidewaze Got a shiny new one there now.

[@vernmeyerotto255]

I worked in the gas detection industry for a number of years, and designed CO detectors. CO absorption in the human body works on an accumulative basis, and low levels can be tolerated without harm. Since CO accumulates in the blood hemoglobin, interfering with oxygen absorption, it takes time to build up to harmful levels. The similar molecular weight of CO to molecular oxygen means CO will form in layers in still air. Mounting a CO detector at ceiling height will not protect you unless there is enough mixing of the air in a room to get a significant concentration up there. CO emitted at floor level will tend to stay there. Mount CO detectors at the average height in a room where people's nose will be at. In bedrooms, this means at the height of the pillows on a bed.

[@chomp54321]

Does that mean if the house has central air conditioner or forced air furnace running in summer and winter, a smoke and CO combo detector installed on the ceiling can provide adequate protection? Thanks.

[@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904]

Is the ceiling at ‘nose height’? 🙄

[@asmrcindyc6939]

I live in a 200 square-foot tiny house with four large windows, one level where should I put it?

[@vernmeyerotto255]

@@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904 Only if you're very, very tall!

[@vernmeyerotto255]

@@asmrcindyc6939 place it near your bed, at the same height as your head when lying down.

[@Seaquest112]

You are an organized, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful l service person,thanks

[@Gary65437]

I had a CO detector in my house that just plugs into a wall socket. My neighbor told me that her whole family was feeling sick, dizzy, headaches so went over there with my detector and it was very warm and stuffy there and 2 min after I plugged my alarm in it stated beeping. Their attic gas furnace was rusted and was spewing out the fumes. They were lucky someone didn't die while sleeping.

[@diyhvacguy]

Oh my goodness! Not a single co detector in the place? You saved their lives man. These are so so so important.

[@Gary65437]

@@diyhvacguy It was an old house with an old furnace in TX. I recall she even had the oven on. So they had fumes from the furnace and the oven polluting the air. All I know it was so warm and stuffy in there all I wanted to do was go outside and get some fresh air. Turned heater and oven off and opened a couple doors and called the HVAC guy...

[@andymantel4830]

You are truly a life saver Gary! Kudos to you for thinking fast, and averting a potential tragedy. I am looking to buy a carbon monoxide detector that I can plug right into my socket. Could you please share the name of your pluggable CO detector? Thanks.

[@Gary65437]

@@andymantel4830 it was 20 yrs ago, I believe it was kidde from walmart, plug in plus a battery. First alert is also good at Lowes. I have elect heat now.

[@andymantel4830]

Thanks a lot Gary!

[@seantellescobee1030]

Man sense so hard to find… Today these men ramble and ramble and still haven’t said not one damn thing … just know u Are one of the few who got MAN SENSE. TY

[@scuddrunner1]

As a contractor I've always wondered where the dectector should be mounted, heck I've even talked to the fire department. Thank you!!

[@sandraelliott6982]

I just bought a house and when I look at it I could smell the gas !! It was fixed however after home inspection we had a problem and the inspector required them to come back !! We closed Tuesday I went over yesterday and brought a Knox carbon monoxide digital and voice readout It went off immediately!!! So thanks

[@pineychristian]

Actually if you look up the technical specs of CO it's actually slightly lighter than air. Plus when CO is produced its usually done because of incomplete combustion which is usually because of some type of fire or combustion. Which in turn needs heat. Heating the air will only make it rise. I always recommend having a CO detector up high. I'm also a HVAC service tech and contractor.

[@suenocar7464]

Just so you know the one that guy's telling you is better to have that's a crock me and a roommate had one in my apartment and I no there was CEO in the house and it did not register at all for a whole day so that's baloney I have the digital on the wall and each one is connected one goes off they all do they also run on electric and also battery and if they go off and you think it's not detecting anything there is a hush button but when it goes off again that should tell you something is wrong I also had a cheap fire detector from an old landlord sitting on a table and I was using oven cleaner and I don't think it was a CO detector but when I sprayed that it went crazy beeping so obviously that must have detected CEO also but it just didn't tell you that so if you have a smoke alarm and you think it's just that and it goes off you must have CEO in your house it is detecting

[@pineychristian]

​@suenocar7464 yea that's good they are networked together. I also have mine networked together. If one goes off the others go off. Keep in mind most have a 7 to 10 year life span. Meaning regardless they need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years. I know for some people like myself that a big investment because of how many I have in my home.

[@keepcalmprepon]

The problem with CO detectors is any dip in the ppm level over the time before they'll sound an alarm resets the time, and some will not sound an alarm even with low levels that over time are deadly. I prefer a professional grade monitor in our home, along with the Kiddie model you recommend (it is back-up IMO); the monitor (not detector) will sound an alarm when it hits 10ppm and the display reads any level at or above 3ppm. I also travel with a small CO monitor because people really do die in hotel rooms and rental homes with CO issues. The CO monitor I prefer is from CO Experts, and as I said I do also use the Kiddle detector you recommend. I travel with a Sensorcon aviation model that fits nicely in my purse or in a pocket (it's small).

[@diyhvacguy]

That’s really smart to carry that in your purse! Thanks for sharing!

[@kylieb5723]

Wow! I never considered this to be a risk until now. I just ordered one and had no clue how easy this could happen to my family.

[@heroesandzeros7802]

You are right. I have done smoke tests for a pharmaceutical company. Corners of ceilings are dead air spaces. Heat from a fire will reach into a corner faster than smoke or carbine monoxide. Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and diffuses evenly throughout the room, but not in a dead-air space.

[@pamfromwashington]

I bought an older house last year and have been nervous about the gas furnace. I watched your video on how to clean them and feel less worried now. I may still hire a pro, but I'll be watching what he does and won't feel so clueless about the whole thing. Ordering your choice of CO detectors too! Thanks!

[@diyhvacguy]

Being well informed to know what should be done is always a good thing. And also having a co detector that you can see the readings on is great for peace of mind. If you have any hvac questions in the future don’t hesitate to ask! Thanks for watching :)

[@Onlyinbean]

@@diyhvacguydo you recommend a gas detector?

[@robertnewman4105]

Thanks, I needed just a digital readout CO detector/alarm to go with my regular combo alarms, and that one looks perfect!

[@Cleofizoid]

The old NFPA code for flat ceiling mounted smoke detectors was not within 4" from the wall. A wall mounted smoke detector not within 4" from the ceiling and no more than 12" down from the flat ceiling. The new NFPA code removed the 4" requirement and retained the no more than 12" down for a wall mounted smoke detector. Technically CO is lighter than air, but barely, and mixes well with conditioned air. So the recommended placement is at least 5' above the floor...or where our mouth/nose lives. For a combo smoke/CO Alarm, you follow the smoke portion requirements. It will take a cycle or two for all the old smoke alarm cut-sheets to be changed to indicate the "new" NFPA 72 standard. "Alarms" are single or multiple station units or stand-alone and are different from "Detectors" which are listed for and attached to a listed control panel.

[@BedsitBob]

I have three CO alarms, one in the living room (gas fire), one in the kitchen (combi boiler), and one in the bedroom (no fuel burning appliance).

[@pro-touch7055]

CO can come from many different sources, including a fireplace that is wood burning only and with no gas or pellet starts. Also a wood burning stove gives off CO. Just about anything that burns can produce CO, so please keep this in mind.

[@johnanselmo8807]

Great advice, thank you brother, you probably saved a few lives with this video.

[@DF-dd5nf]

Thanks a lot for your very useful video. ❤❤❤

[@GoodDay-jp5hi]

I learned something new today.Very well explained . Thank you

[@domc9208]

This exact reason is why I switched from the combo alarms to digital readout ones a few years ago. That said, any CO detector is better than nothing. Also, fun fact, hydrogen off gassing from a bad sump pump backup battery will also cause a CO detector to alarm. Found that out the hard way.

[@diyhvacguy]

Wow that’s good to know on the sump pump!

[@Nonsense62365]

Thanks for the great information. I didn’t know what you stated I’m buying (3) One for the basement first floor and second floor with a digital readout that’s a great idea but I’m going to install each one 1 foot from the corner and 1 foot from the top of wall and 1 foot from the ceiling so I can read it or at least get a ladder and read it!

[@diyhvacguy]

Awesome, there’s a link in the video description to the ones I prefer on Amazon 👍🏽 cheers

[@richardsanmames5435]

Wow, I love this video, right to the point and very well explained in just a few minutes.

[@Charles-cb3lo]

Very informative and interesting facts in this video I never would’ve thought. Great job!

[@tincanboat]

Great explanation. easy to understand. after your explanation I already bought the kidde without the digital screen and decided to return it and buy the one with the digital screen.

[@denali9449]

Good stuff. As one of the original proponents of getting CO alarms into the International Codes Family, I came to your video with a wary eye - I was pleased with your presentation. Only comment is that those digital readouts are nice (and I do have one) people tend to ignore them when the novelty wears off. I know if ours was not located by the thermostat I would never look at it.

[@kimslyffnow11]

Great suggestion of where to place them. Thank you

[@ericr2zz]

the main issue with having a combo smoke/CO detector is when the detector goes off. You really don't know if it's smoke or CO. Many people will think it's smoke and will forget it could be CO. They may think the detector is bad and bypass the detector by taking out the batteries. That's why having two separate detectors is so much safer.

[@diyhvacguy]

The detector audibly says “WARNING, FIRE” or “WARNING, CARBON MONOXIDE” 👍🏼

[@A_J502]

Greetings from southern Utah 👋 Fantastic video! I manage a few rental properties and this video will help me justify why CO detectors with a digital readout are worth the extra cost.

[@diyhvacguy]

100% Thanks for watching! Cheers

[@azeemali7102]

Appreciate your breakdown; knowing all the details, saves lives!

[@billhandymanbill2775]

Great video! You should also mention the life expectancy of the carbon monoxide detector. I know a basic smoke detector is 10 years and a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector is 5 years according to the manufacturer to be effective.

[@Honestandtruth007]

Always Great Advice 👍👍👍 Thank you

[@alexmckenzie8491]

Interesting, especially that the gas sensor doesn't necessarily have to go on the ceiling. That it much more likely that I shall use it. Thank you.

[@ranger178]

I like the nighthawk carbon monoxide / natural gas detector i put it at edge of kitchen living room in case gas appliances accidentally get bumped like stove knobs or gas fireplace only partially comes on it has nice glowing red digital readout you see as you walk by and lots of testing places rate it the best model

[@RockStarAndrew]

Thanks, man! Been a homeowner for the last 10 months and I've learned a lot thanks to your videos!

[@Matt_justlikethat]

I use the Kidde Nighthawk plug in/battery appropriately 2’ off the floor. Thanks Matt

[@TEKNOFIED]

16 times Carbon Monoxide in 4.23 minutes lol. Thanks for the clip, keeping people safe.

[@jbdragon3295]

I gave one of those Carbon detectors in my house mounted on the hallway wall. It runs on lithium batteries and good for 10 years. Then just replace the whole thing.

[@rodneypainter4664]

The smoke detectors should be at least 1 foot from ceiling down and 1 foot away from wall due to the dead air space where it might not pick up enough smoke to set detector off. You might want to explain this in your video. I was a professional paid firefighter now retired. Thanks for the tip on the carbon monoxide detector. Never though about the digital one you can see ppm. Have to get a couple. Enjoyed your video.

[@diyhvacguy]

Thank you for the clarification on the smoke detector. And thanks for watching! Cheers

[@paulmoffat9306]

1 foot down from ceiling and 1 foot away from wall ? ER, BUT is that to be swinging like a light pendant? Never saw any of those !

[@louisbrinkman1529]

Things have changed. The top of the detector must be within 12" of the ceiling for wall mounted detectors. Reference NFPA 72 2022, Section A29.11.3.

[@crazyrobots6565]

Depends on fire codes in each jurisdiction. Take my fire code; domestic fire alarms must be on the ceiling. They cannot be mounted on the wall.

[@denali9449]

@@louisbrinkman1529 Nice reference but please list the jurisdictions where NFPA 72 is adopted for residential use, most use the IRC which defers to the manufacturer. The major manufacturers (Kidde, First Alert, BRK) are now stating the top edge of a wall mounted unit is to be 4" - 12" below the ceiling line. Ceiling mounted units are preferred to be centered but in no case less than 4" from the wall line. They do however refer to NFPA 72 for sloped ceiling - NFPA has to earn their nickel somehow - - -

[@bizisback]

This is such useful knowledge, thank you!

[@diyhvacguy]

You're very welcome!

[@kangaroogod]

Good vid, new subscriber.. couple comments. They are co alarms, not co detectors. I personally would never suggest any alarm other than a low level co alarm. 70ppm is too high and often occupants can be dead or near dead before they alarm

[@diyhvacguy]

Yes the one I recommend and have in the video description registers at 30ppm Thanks for your comment!

[@jongonegone1262]

my dangerous gas alarm from kiddee alerts on when applying bug spray from the spray can deet or picardin within 10 feet of the alarm, the propelant used is propane when the bug spray is applied to your skin.

[@gastongallo3913]

Good thing that you mention detectors in another video about furnance... In my country (Slovakia) in Europe it is not common to use them, but I think they are really usefull. My grandparents albost die because of fire in the house but the didnt notice it... I have gas furnance in my house but it is also without any detector... Thank you, it is a great idea...

[@diyhvacguy]

Of course. Thanks for watching!

[@woodstream6137]

Oh well. Didn't notice this brand with the digital display. Just bought a plugin CO and gas detector for utility room where all gas appliances are and a 6pk of interlinked combo units.

[@Alexander-o1y6e]

Generally speaking, just have a plug in (like kiddie) in every room WITH the ceiling ones. Just over prevention, and have your gas appliances maintained 2x a year.

[@lewiskelly14]

The digital readout is pointless for anyone who isn't paranoid - I would rather it lights up or something when it detects less than the 70 to grab my attention without making noise

[@diyhvacguy]

That would be an awesome feature. Million dollar idea right there. You can put the co detector at eye level in a high traffic area and every so often glance at it. But with as much comments I get in CO poisoning it’s better to be paranoid then dead. Haha thanks for the comment, cheers

[@thoughtteaanna6052]

You're really cool, I'm learning a lot from your videos! Thanks for the great content! c:

[@diyhvacguy]

Awesome, happy to help! Thanks for the support 🙏🏻

[@izcab]

Great advice.

[@tymiller2596]

Thanks again. Another great video.

[@Sridharr123w]

Good points ,thankyou, sir.

[@dylanrendon5097]

I've considered getting a low level CO monitor to assist the ones I have. Extra protection never hurts after all. But i have several digital display detectors in my house. One is a kidde nighthawk, the other is a first alert version. I don't know the model numbers

[@MENSA.lady2]

In most countries it is a requirement to have a detector in the cockpit of all aircraft used for profit. As a result inexpensive detectors are availavle from the pilots shop at your local airfield.

[@jackhewkimlon6933]

Thanks for your sharing

[@chezchezchezchez]

Can you tell me everything I need to know about smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors that are connected to each other versus standalone ones. Thank you very much.

[@diyhvacguy]

Of course! I will add this to the list of future videos that I will produce very soon. Thank you so much for the feedback! Cheers

[@MOAB-UT]

Good tips. Do you have to hit the button to see 30ppm? I think that Kidde does not detect below 30. Not sure why it displays 0. The best detectors only go as low as 5ppm. They cost 4x as much.

[@ashleyc7251]

Very helpful thank you

[@lenathompson1247]

Hi, this was very informative. Did you do a video on wifi fire and CO2 monitors? I just bought the nest one and I'm hoping it will be good. Now watching your video maybe I will add a digital read out next to my thermostat as well.

[@photokeith01]

Thanks for the info

[@jufejujo]

great information and valuable advice. thanks a lot for sharing this information.

[@diyhvacguy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ronkemperful]

My parents condo had a digital carbon monoxide detector located about 10 feet away from the door of their hot water heater and furnace boiler. During the heating season the display consistently shows around 35 to 55. The detector never sounds but I always worry about that level. The furnace uses inside air for combustion.

[@S1L3NTG4M3R]

Thank you

[@Hellastorytella]

How far should I install my Universal Security Instruments Plug-In 2-in-1 Carbon Monoxide and Natural Gas Smart Alarm with Battery Backup (MCND401B) from my stove? I would like to put it in the lot ken so be that is one of the 1° sources of CO. We have an open floor plan on the first floor of our home. (2) Should I plug it into an outlet near the ground or on the wall? (3) Should I keep the 9V battery in the device while it is plugged into the wall? Thank you!

[@eutimiochavez415]

Great information thank you !

[@RandomUsernameGenerator]

I didnt know about Aegislink brand until watching this video. Are their devices UL certified?

[@sweetdreamz4166]

THANK YOU!!!💜

[@jacktihs2963]

For having one close to the heater/ (CV) boiler, when best to put it ? For Carbon Monoxide, does it need to be a ceiling, or I can put it on top of the heater?

[@chucktrotter9699]

11.7.22 Questions: What would cause a smoke alarm that is battery powered and electric powered to start chriping in the middle of the night and not durning the day? Why does the battery exist if is electric powered?

[@A_J502]

In general, the battery acts as a backup in case electrical power is lost to the house or smoke alarm system. There are a variety of smoke detectors wired with backup battery; some take a 9V, others 2 AA, some have rechargeable batteries, and some are sealed batteries that don’t need to be changed for the life of the detector.

[@donaldlee6760]

I love easy questions. Nighttime is cold. The battery voltage goes down and the smoke alarm sees this as a battery nearing end of life. When the temp goes back up during the day the voltage goes up slightly and the smoke detector now sees a "good" battery. IOW your battery is getting close to dead.

[@diyhvacguy]

I agree with Donald I think the batttery should be replaced. If the battery is expired it could start beeping to let you know that the backup battery is dying. And the cooler home temps at night could effect it. Hope this helps! Cheers

[@danielhawkins6425]

@@donaldlee6760 That's a little sus. How cold is it getting in a dwelling unit at night? Five degrees below the daytime temperature? The change in voltage for a standard battery cell (2.145 volts) such as is found in a car battery is about 0.005 volts per 10 degrees F. Extrapolating for a 9 volt battery, you might see a drop of 0.025 volts. I suppose you might have an edge case where this makes a difference, and batteries are cheap enough. Don't be surprised if it doesn't fix the problem.

[@blahco4tt]

Thank you for this information! I definitely want to buy one with a read-out now. However, your link for the Digital CO alarm does not seem to be working...could you repost the link?

[@kdegutis]

Good, common sense information.

[@diyhvacguy]

Surprising how many people have little of it haha

[@mattparr3038]

Are these good for woodburners in the house? I burn untreated wood..

[@staceypeck8073]

Hey Any Answers on this situation. Home solar power. Installed smoke detectors and they all simultaneously going off. We removed all of them and re installed new dual alarms with fire and carbon monoxide. We assumed after much deliberation that the detectors were defective. After reinstallation of new detectors..............they are all still going off simultaneously. This is baffling. Any idea why they keep going off. Also on the new installation, they are all wired independent.

[@Corvette1658]

We have first alerts smokes and carbons combo’s at my house.

[@pineappleroad]

Our house has only 1 CO detector, which is mounted to the wall in the kitchen (which is where the only natural gas appliance in the house is, which is basically a box on the wall that heats water (which provides the hot water for the taps and shower, and also pumps hot water around the house to heat the rooms)) Up until 2020 we didn't have a CO detector at all (and the one we currently have will need replacing in just over 3 years time, according to the label on it) Fitting a combined smoke/CO detector in the kitchen would not be allowed where i live, as where i live smoke detectors cannot be placed in kitchens (only heat detectors (and also CO detectors and combined heat/CO detectors) can be placed in kitchens)

[@robertaprice6263]

Thank you!!!!

[@mrxman581]

The combo unit you list on Amazon says it cannot be shipped to California. Is there another one you recommend that can be delivered in California? Thanks

[@rythmblood27]

In 2019 I installed combo smoke/CO detectors in my house. I asked everyone what was the best location for these. I couldn’t get any solid answers. This was helpful. I will likely place mine on the wall but maybe a foot or 1.5 ft from the ceiling. Does this seem ok?

[@diyhvacguy]

Yes that location is good. Make sure it’s also within 10 ft from all beds.

[@brittanigraham1855]

@@diyhvacguy what if your room is small and it isn't 10 feet from beds

[@rogertaylor2356]

What's a good replacement for a 120 volt Honeywell TC49D?

[@martinlutherkingjr.5582]

Is there a CO detector that can alert you at 35 ppm? Or something lower than 70?

[@capt.nemo00]

thanks

[@BubbasDad]

What digital combination smoke and CO alarms do you recommend for a hard-wired interconnected system replacement?

[@diyhvacguy]

There isn’t a lot of options for the hardwired ones unfortunately. That’s a huge opportunity for someone! I’m also curious if you can get one that notifies you at a lower number then 70 ppm

[@douglaswindsor120]

Have I been misled I've been told carbon monoxide is heavier than air if so would it be better to have the detector not be placed low as the bed is within 2 foot from the floor so the carbon monoxide will be 8 foot above you before it sets off the alarm

[@ahmadwardak1602]

Is good have two detector meaning one for CO2 and one for CO or both together is ok in one unit or detector ?

[@Nolovelost0034]

Can the rectangle shaped digital one be self installed or does it have to be drilled in or something? Also, if my house is only ran on electricity, would I even need a carbon monoxide detector?

[@rnunge5415]

Are you still recommending the same model alarms? Or have you found better ones since this video?

[@russgilbertson8689]

Thanks

[@kylieb5723]

I have a question!! My apartment admitted to not having the dryer vents regularly checked and they need to get it done soon. My dryer has been taking HOURS(8plus) to dry one load of clothes. My dryer does get hot to the touch, and when I check them their is lint all in my dryer and on the door when I open it.However the clothes are still wet and I continue to let them dry for maybe 3/4 more hours. Is this a concern? Should I reach out to housing Authority? I do use the dryer but it’s taking all day to do one load and this issue has been going on for awhile now. Someone claimed to test the dryer with a tool. (Not sure of the facts behind this) and it was said to be a vent issue because the dryer is getting hot. I did just ordered the recommended co detector because I’m on edge now.

[@The09creeper]

What’s the brand of the alarm you had in your hand in the beginning?

[@danemeow8]

What's your opinion on the battery powered FIRST ALERT CO detectors? It says on package that it may take 5-15! minutes to alert at 400ppm! You are recommending much lower ppm detection in vid. I was starting to think these FA detectors were useless basically, but now I'm pretty much convinced. But, what is your opinion on the 400ppm in 15min range?

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

10year battery on that kidde detector is a no-brainer for choice too

[@benwilliams36]

Good video! I have a question. I have the battery operated CO detector with digital readout that you talk about in the video and I’m wondering how long they last before it needs replaced. I hear they need replaced after a certain period of time. Not sure if that is true.

[@diyhvacguy]

I think it’s every 5 years

[@danielhawkins6425]

It's 7-10 years. Read the manual. It will indicate what chirp pattern tells you when the alarm has reached it's end-of-life.

[@Sulfen]

That model has a feature that tells you on the display when it’s time to replace. Normally 7-10 years after the printed manufacturing date.

[@LALATheClown]

Hello, Thanks for the info on position of smoke detectors. Looks like I have to move Some in my House. I have a Question, I am looking for a Smoke Detector thats Sensitive Enough That it can Pick up Cigarette Smoke, Some one I know Is Having issue with there Room Mate Not smoking outside and Lying to them about it when they get caught. Its a Smoke free house, so Any Particulate from smoke would be from Cigarettes. Is there a Detector that is sensitive enough To Pick up on Cigarettes Smoke and sound an Alarm. Preferably one that Interlinks to Multiple Alarms through out the House. Any Suggestion or links would be Very helpful. thank you

[@karldheither9575]

The specific name for the detector that is able to pick up cigarette smoke is an Ionisation Detector. These alarms are very sensitive to smaller particles of smoke that are created from paper and wood fires

[@LALATheClown]

@@karldheither9575 thank you very much for the info. Sorry to say it I already picked up another batch of detectors that seem to work perfectly. They were a little pricey. But they definitely work.

[@JohnAli-p5m]

Just close on a new home and the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector comes on randomly. I have changed the batteries but it still comes on randomly at night. Just last night it came on 1:30 am then 3 am and then 5 am. It stop when I open the bedroom door. Help.. frustrated home owner

[@mattdude]

I own the first alert CO detector that has a digital display, how do you feel about that one?

[@diyhvacguy]

That’s a great alarm 👍🏽

[@paulbiron2257]

Thank you very much for your KZbin videos you are giving great advice you are very caring and very knowledgeable about HVAC Technology in carbon monoxide technology I appreciate your knowledge and sharing it to us you could be saving lives and also helping people save body and also keeping their process up to par to last longer thank you very very very much for your KZbin videos you are an inspiration to the HVAC world and sensor world for protection from carbon monoxide thanks bud bud take care and you’ll give it back great job keep up the great work

[@diyhvacguy]

Thanks so much! that means a lot. Cheers

[@neilbrookins8428]

He says, “if you see it says 20 30 40 …” Please correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t this model display 0 until the level reaches 30 and then it can display 30 or more?

[@diyhvacguy]

You are probably correct. But seeing 30 as opposed to not hearing anything until 70 for several hours is a much safer route.

[@neilbrookins8428]

@@diyhvacguy i completely agree. But keep in mind there are other models called “low level CO” alarms that will actually show lower numbers such as 20 ppm or 10 ppm and will alert more quickly than the UL rules allow. These devices are not UL approved if they alert for the lower levels, but getting a warning for lower levels is preferable for some people.

[@neilbrookins8428]

I just did an Amazon search and the description says 9ppm in addition to the words “low level” in the description.

[@matt.604]

So I should watch the CO detector all the time? Is there a detector that can be programmed to beep at lower levels?

[@diyhvacguy]

Just put it at eye level in a high traffic area and just glance at it every once in a while

[@jlh2119]

Thank you for the video and information! I recently replaced my old boiler with a new Weil-McLain CGa-3 85% efficient furnace. I noticed during the heating cycle the lower half of the side of the furnace reach 160F on the outside. Is it possible to improve the insulation (externally or internally) so more of the heat is retained inside the furnace by the heat exchanger rather than radiate out the sides of the unit into open air?

[@diyhvacguy]

You could wrap the outside of the furnace in insulation leaving the front open for maintenance etc.

[@joer6571]

You are having a vent draft issue. Chimney or vent is blocked. I do not recommend atmospheric vented appliances for these issues. Weil McLain CGi is the better cat iron model, has induced draft and shuts off when blocked.

[@nova290r]

I heard it should be placed in the position of your head when in bed, is that right? And another question is: will these give falls alarms triggered by vapes?

[@ricardogalvez5284]

What certifications are needed to become an HVAC contractor

[@diyhvacguy]

Desk time preparing for the S-350 (hvac contractor) test, and your EPA certification which is super easy to get. I might do a video on that. So you need 2 years of apprentice time, EPA cert, then you can take the S-350 test.

[@ricardogalvez5284]

@@diyhvacguy i love your videos. I was a diesel mechanic for 9 years, HVAC is my next step

[@diyhvacguy]

@@ricardogalvez5284 right on! Keep at it and you will make it happen! Cheers

[@DinoMarinelli]

Is there a gas and co2 detector?

[@cbear137]

Quick question, where should I put the co digital detector?

[@diyhvacguy]

Same location as is described in this video

[@percygsi]

if you read the instructions for position you are all good.

[@rondail5675]

Relating to Ductless units, I don't feel they are efficient with outside temperatures under 40f. Cheaper to turn on the oil boiler????

[@diyhvacguy]

I believe most mini splits are good for down to like 10 degrees which is uncommon in a lot of places but you can install a heater kit that will bring that dinner down to like -10. If it gets colder then that, yes a backup heat is always a good idea! Cheers