Best Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms in 2022

Last update: December 26, 2022

Are combined smoke & carbon monoxide detectors good?

Yes, combined smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are good. They provide an early warning for both types of emergencies.

Can I get a free carbon monoxide alarm?

There are a few ways to get a free carbon monoxide alarm. Some fire departments will give them out for free, or you can sometimes find them at community events. You can also check with your local gas company to see if they offer any programs.

Do I need a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in every room?

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are an important part of any home safety plan. But do you need one in every room? The answer is maybe. If your home is small, you might be able to get away with just having detectors in the main living areas. But if your home is large or has multiple levels, you might need detectors in every room. The best way to figure out what you need is to make a home safety plan. Talk to your family about what to do in an emergency, and make sure everyone knows where the detectors are located. Then

Do you need a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen?

Carbon monoxide is a gas that is produced when certain materials burn. It is colorless and odorless, so it can be hard to detect. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be very dangerous, and even fatal. A carbon monoxide detector can help alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide in your home. It is a good idea to have one in the kitchen, as this is a common area for cooking and other activities that can produce carbon monoxide.


Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Display, Battery Operated Smoke CO Alarm Detector (White-001) Review:


This smoke detector works well and was incredibly simple to install. It is sensitive enough to warn you before a fire breaks out when food is burning in the kitchen (I am unfortunately speaking from experience). However, I'm happy I bought it, and we'll also be installing one in each bedroom. That it can also detect carbon monoxide is fantastic. Fantastic value in comparison to nearby hardware stores.



Kidde 900-0076-01 KN-COPP-3 smoke-detectors Review:


We purchased this carbon monoxide detector since we are remodeling an older home with outdated appliances that have not yet been updated. The backup battery was simple to install, and the monitor arrived on schedule. I looked at the date on our unit after reading other reviews and discovered that it was produced only a few months ago. It came with clear and concise instructions.If you have a nearby electrical outlet, you can simply plug it in because the socket and cord are neatly housed at the back of the unit. If not, the cord falls apart, allowing you to plug the item further away. (Just keep it close by; if it's too far, it might not be as useful in the event of a CO leak.)Since we've had the device for a few weeks, it has consistently read "0." (parts per million - ppm). There is a button you can click to see whether any readings below 35 ppm have been identified because the device doesn't alarm for readings below that threshold. Again, for us, it always read "0" when we verified using this function. Finally, we questioned, "Does this thing even work?"We managed to test it out, and the unit does actually function extremely well.My husband brought the appliance to the garage, then parked our car inside, switched off the engine, and closed the door. After about a minute of waiting, the device did in fact detect a little level of CO (15ppm - see picture). The unit did not alarm because it was below 35 ppm, but at least we now know it actually functions.I never advise trying to test your device by starting your automobile in a locked garage. Just as if you had arrived home, parked, and turned off your automobile before getting out and closing the garage door, we were simply monitoring the exhaust gases from an engine that had been switched off.The Kiddie Nighthawk CO detector provides us with wonderful peace of mind and we are extremely delighted to have it in our home. We wouldn't hesitate to suggest this device to others.



Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm with Voice Warning | Hardwired w/Battery Backup | Interconnectable | Model # KN-COSM-IBA Review:


This KN-COSM-IBA is a direct replacement for my KN-COSM-IB, which made the decision to chirp every 30 seconds at 3:30 in the morning when everyone was asleep to signal its "End Of Life." The replacement unit was delivered on a chilly day the day after I had bought it, so I carried it inside and let it spend the night getting used to the humidity and temperature inside. The following morning, I installed the three-wire (Black, White, and Red) connector from my old device into new one in accordance with the instructions. I then added the two AA batteries, making sure the red spring tabs in the battery compartment were positioned beneath each battery. The device entered test mode right away. The first time it is tested, it 1) chirps three times in a row before saying "Fire". then.... 2) chirps four times quickly, then says, "Warning - Carbon Monoxide," before chirping four times quickly again. then.... 3) makes one final chirp, signaling that testing is complete and the device is now ready to monitor the air in the space. The device needed to be mounted to the mounting plate that had previously held the outdated KN-COSM-IB unit, which was still fastened to the ceiling. From opening the box to mounting the unit and testing it, the entire operation took less than 3 to 4 minutes. The new owners manual for the KN-COSM-IBA unit explains that it has a slightly different warning/alarm pattern for Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, Low Battery, and End Of Life than the earlier KN-COSM-IB. The lifespan of this brand-new item is 10 years after the initial power-up sequence. Mine should be functional till February 2029. Hopefully, the "End of Life" announcement will take place during the daytime rather than at night.



Kidde 21026043 Battery-Operated(Not Hardwired) Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Voice Warning KN-COSM-BA Review:


Last night at nine o'clock, my child's alarm went off. I have a wood stove, and occasionally I get some smoke in the home, which has set off the alarm. However, it started mentioning carbon monoxide last night. Never has that occurred before. When I dialed 911, the operator advised me to leave the house and wait. They informed the fire brigade that there was a lot of carbon monoxide in the residence when they arrived. 60%Near the top of the stairs above, the alarm is located high on the ceiling. When I initially heard the beeping while watching TV downstairs, I turned down the TV's volume and could plainly hear the voice warning for carbon monoxide.The firefighters thought I was fortunate. They advised me to have detectors on every level. Smoke rises while carbon monoxide stays close to the ground. There had already been a significant buildup of the poisonous gas downstairs by the time the carbon monoxide reached the upper floors and set off the alarm.The plumber is en route to the scene this morning to determine where the gas came from. Just like the one that saved me last night, I've just ordered two additional Kidde detectors.



First Alert BRK SC9120B Hardwired Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector with Battery Backup Review:


These devices are reportedly factory-programmed to only activate during the night. You can't simply fall asleep through the beeping because it is just loud enough. And the annoying beeping happens with too much of a delay, so when you do wake up in the middle of the night to look for it, it takes way too long to triangulate and determine which one you need to take down so that you can go back to sleep and deal with it in the morning. It resembles a hide-and-seek game used for torture. By the time you identify which one is broken, you've been awake and irritated for so long that you're essentially fully awake at this point. Is there some sort of North Korean/Russian effort to ruin the lives of ordinary US residents by depriving them of sleep on occasion? After the election, this happened.The 9V backup battery will chirp once every three to four minutes when it is dead. The detector is malfunctioning if it makes three chirps that sound every 3–4 minutes. The battery cannot be replaced; nothing happens. I've tried using an air cannon to dust them off, but it usually doesn't work. The majority of experts advise updating these items every 5 to 10 years. These have lasted in my home for almost 5 years, and over the past few months, I've started changing them one at a time. Over the past few weeks, I've gotten so little sleep on sporadic evenings that I've decided to replace all the remaining ones in my home and move on with my life.The 9V battery's short lifespan of around 4 years is an additional unpleasant aspect. Less than nine months ago, I just went through and changed all the batteries; today, I'm replacing the entire stupid thing. In light of the fact that the new detectors come with brand-new 9V batteries and that I now have a modest supply of partially used 9V batteries, it was a nice waste of money.The main benefit is that they are inexpensive and simple to replace on Amazon compared to nearby brick and mortar establishments. I can't speak to its effectiveness because, happily, I haven't had one activate due to a house fire or carbon monoxide accumulation, but I suppose it's one of those things you simply have to assume will function when it's needed, like the airbag in your car.



Google, S3000BWES, Nest Protect Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm, 2nd Gen, Battery Review:


These devices are reportedly factory-programmed to only activate during the night. You can't simply fall asleep through the beeping because it is just loud enough. And the annoying beeping happens with too much of a delay, so when you do wake up in the middle of the night to look for it, it takes way too long to triangulate and determine which one you need to take down so that you can go back to sleep and deal with it in the morning. It resembles a hide-and-seek game used for torture. By the time you identify which one is broken, you've been awake and irritated for so long that you're essentially fully awake at this point. Is there some sort of North Korean/Russian effort to ruin the lives of ordinary US residents by depriving them of sleep on occasion? After the election, this happened.The 9V backup battery will chirp once every three to four minutes when it is dead. The detector is malfunctioning if it makes three chirps that sound every 3–4 minutes. The battery cannot be replaced; nothing happens. I've tried using an air cannon to dust them off, but it usually doesn't work. The majority of experts advise updating these items every 5 to 10 years. These have lasted in my home for almost 5 years, and over the past few months, I've started changing them one at a time. Over the past few weeks, I've gotten so little sleep on sporadic evenings that I've decided to replace all the remaining ones in my home and move on with my life.The 9V battery's short lifespan of around 4 years is an additional unpleasant aspect. Less than nine months ago, I just went through and changed all the batteries; today, I'm replacing the entire stupid thing. In light of the fact that the new detectors come with brand-new 9V batteries and that I now have a modest supply of partially used 9V batteries, it was a nice waste of money.The main benefit is that they are inexpensive and simple to replace on Amazon compared to nearby brick and mortar establishments. I can't speak to its effectiveness because, happily, I haven't had one activate due to a house fire or carbon monoxide accumulation, but I suppose it's one of those things you simply have to assume will function when it's needed, like the airbag in your car.



First Alert Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm | Battery Operated, SCO5CN Review:


Packaging: Clear clam-shell packaging was used to deliver the alarm (yuck). The alarm, two AA alkaline batteries, mounting screws, and instructions were all included with the shell. Since I'm a guy, I require directions. The package meets all of my expectations.Installation: It was simple to install. I only had to push the battery tray in because the two batteries were already fitted. The old First Alert fire alarms, which we owned for more than 20 years, were replaced by the new alarm. I now know that alarms need to be replaced every ten years. After slightly loosening the mounting screws and rotating the old alarm to line with the mounting holes, I removed it. The new alarm features both an alarm and a base. The old alarm's existing screws were nicely covered by the new base. The challenging portion is over once the screws are tightened. After that, position the alarm over the mounting plate and spin it by a third.Operation: After mounting it, I pressed the test button, and the device beeped twice in quick succession. a joyful alarmObservations: According to what I've heard, the supplied alkaline batteries last for one to two years. I'll try lithium batteries to see whether they last longer when they eventually wear out. After using lithium 9V batteries in the previous alarms for a year, I found that two of the four had corrosion on the positive terminal. (PS: The other three alarms were brand-new fire alarms only.) Our fire alarms have only ever activated when my wife used them as a dinner bell. Dinner is finished when the alarm goes off. Dinner tonight will be PBJ.



First Alert SCO7CN Battery-Operated Talking Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Voice Location, Photoelectric Review:


In a tragic accident many years ago, a dear friend of mine's family here in Connecticut, where I currently reside, lost 3 children under the age of 10. (You can research it. 1993 Suffield, CT) Carbon monoxide is a dangerous substance.I'm now working on some significant modifications to my 100-year-old house. Every bedroom already has a smoke detector, and I also have one close to my furnace. The other day, the building inspector "recommended" several extra ones. I am therefore replacing the older unit by the furnace and adding one in the newly finished basement as well as one on each of the two upper stories. However, I'm now $5k over budget, and hardwiring in a home that is 100 years old is outrageous. I decided to use these.People, please don't play around. These insurances are incredibly affordable. Do it now. Now. You are aware that you will be happy you did. I am. The inspector genuinely helped me out, so I owe him a debt of gratitude.These are reasonably priced but incredibly dependable and dependable machines. Installing will take you around five minutes. what the fire department in my community suggested. I desire a restful night's sleep and, most essential, a family-friendly morning.Gratitude for reading



Kidde 21007624 Firex AC Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm | Hardwired with Battery Backup | Model # KN-COPE-IC Review:


In a tragic accident many years ago, a dear friend of mine's family here in Connecticut, where I currently reside, lost 3 children under the age of 10. (You can research it. 1993 Suffield, CT) Carbon monoxide is a dangerous substance.I'm now working on some significant modifications to my 100-year-old house. Every bedroom already has a smoke detector, and I also have one close to my furnace. The other day, the building inspector "recommended" several extra ones. I am therefore replacing the older unit by the furnace and adding one in the newly finished basement as well as one on each of the two upper stories. However, I'm now $5k over budget, and hardwiring in a home that is 100 years old is outrageous. I decided to use these.People, please don't play around. These insurances are incredibly affordable. Do it now. Now. You are aware that you will be happy you did. I am. The inspector genuinely helped me out, so I owe him a debt of gratitude.These are reasonably priced but incredibly dependable and dependable machines. Installing will take you around five minutes. what the fire department in my community suggested. I desire a restful night's sleep and, most essential, a family-friendly morning.Gratitude for reading



Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm with Voice Warning | Hardwired w/10 Year Lithium Battery Backup | Interconnectable | Model # i12010SCO Review:


My new smoke alarms will be the greatest I've ever placed because they also detect CO.They emit a loud alarm when they detect smoke or carbon monoxide, just like any other smoke alarm. But they also "talk." They use the word "fire" when describing smoke. "Carbon monoxide," they announce if they find any. Finally, they say "Low battery" if the battery is running low. I adore being a modern day resident!All 10 FireEx smoke alarms in my house were replaced. Yes, you need to take off all of the previous quick-connect harnesses and mounting plates. Even then, I finished replacing everything in an hour or so. Cleanup time is included in it.To swap out your current alarms:1. Turn off the electricity to all of your smoke alarms. They ought should be connected to the same circuit if your house is correctly wired. If not, you must first make sure that all of your smoke alarms have their electricity turned off before proceeding.2. Disconnect all of your smoke alarms. I also had to remove the pre-existing mounting plates and quick-connect harnesses because all of mine were FireEx brand. These smoke alarms are incompatible with them.3. Mounting plates, replacement fast connect harnesses, and new smoke alarms should all be installed. You should connect the red wire to the red if your home has an intertie. Black to black. Dark to dark. Ensure that the wires are connected securely and that all of the wire nuts are tight. Leave the red wire from the quick-connect harness capped if you don't have an inter-tie. (It has a cap on it right out of the factory.)4. Join the smoke alarm and the plug on the fast connect harness. Place the alarm on the mounting plate, then tighten by rotating the alarm clockwise. If you complete it correctly, you will hear a "Beep" and then a voice instructing you to "Push test button." I advise putting every smoke alarm before pressing the test button if you need to replace more than one.5. Reconnect the A/C power when all the alarms have been placed. The smoke alarms' LEDs should all be glistening green. If not, something is amiss, and you must investigate the problem.6. Explain to your loved ones that you might want to leave the house for a moment while you check the smoke alarms. The middle button must be pressed and held down until it beeps once. Then, let go of the button and move away. The testing procedure is going to start in about three seconds. Due to the interconnection, the alarm you are testing should be followed by all the other alarms in your home. During the process, I advise going from room to room to make sure everyone is according to the test procedure. You can use this to check that you wired them all properly.


Do you need carbon monoxide detector if you don't have gas?

If you don't have gas, you don't need a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion, so if you don't have anything that burns, you won't have any carbon monoxide. However, if you have any fuel-burning appliances in your home, even if you don't have gas, you should have a carbon monoxide detector.

Does carbon monoxide rise to the ceiling?

Carbon monoxide is a gas that is produced when certain materials burn. It is heavier than air and will tend to collect near the floor.

How can you tell if there is carbon monoxide in your house?

If you have a carbon monoxide detector in your house, it will sound an alarm if there are high levels of carbon monoxide present. You can also look for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning in people, which include headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. If you suspect that there may be carbon monoxide in your house, you should open doors and windows to ventilate the area and call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

How do you check for carbon monoxide without a detector?

Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, and colorless gas that is produced whenever any fuel is burned. Because it is impossible to see, taste, or smell, the only way to know if there is carbon monoxide present in an area is to use a carbon monoxide detector.

How many smoke and carbon monoxide alarms do I need?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should have one smoke alarm for every level of your home and one in every bedroom. You should also have a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home.

How many smoke detectors do I need for a 3 bedroom house?

You should have a smoke alarm in every room where people sleep, as well as in the hallways leading to those bedrooms.