Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless and colourless gas that can be produced by any fuel-burning device, such as a furnace, boiler, stove or car.

And did you know that CO poisoning is the number one cause of accidental poisoning in Canada, responsible for more than 300 deaths each year? CO alarms are the only way to detect and protect your family from this poisonous gas.

Now that most of us are home hunkering down during the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a great time to invest in carbon monoxide alarms for our living spaces.

First Alert, makers of smoke and CO detectors, carries a mobile device designed to sit on a tabletop or dresser and features a digital display that shows detected CO levels in parts per million and ambient temperature, using an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor – the most accurate technology on the market – to capture CO levels.

We recently received a pair of their 10-year battery carbon monoxide alarms to test-drive in our two-level suite. The first thing we noticed is how compact and minimal the design is.

The neutral white colour seamlessly blends into spaces large and small, whether you choose to mount the alarm on the wall (hardware included) or place it on a counter or bookshelf.

The alarm is also small and lightweight enough to pack in a suitcase, once we can all safely enjoy travelling again.

How the CO Alarm Works

Each alarm is conveniently equipped with a long-life sealed lithium battery to power it for a full 10 years without need for replacement. This eliminates the risk of accidentally deactivating the alarm due to battery removal. All you need to do is mark the date of activation on the label in back of the unit, click the activation tab and test the alarm by pressing the test button on top.

The alarm will then go through a brief cycle of beeps, followed by a series of PPM (parts per million) levels shown on the digital display.

Once the test cycle is through (about five seconds), the display shows only the current temperature (in C or F) then remains silent until the next time you test (once a week is recommended). It will trigger an alarm should it detect a harmful amount of CO in the air.

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CO Alarm Tips

Once your First Alert CO detectors are activated, be sure to properly maintain them by testing the alarms regularly. After 10 years, it’s time to replace the alarms. The alarms will sound a 3-chirp horn and then show the word End on the display to indicate end of life.

And here are a few CO safety tips that everyone can follow:

– Clear all vents and watch stove usage.
– When stovetop cooking for long periods of time, use kitchen fans to ventilate the room.
– Never use generators indoors. In the case of a power outage or furnace failure, both gas-powered and portable electric generators must only be used outside. By using them in confined areas, CO can collect and cause poisoning.

CAD $57.99/USD $44.95

[Test cycle]

Visit First Alert Canada and First Alert US online to see the complete assortment.

This post produced in partnership with First Alert.