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Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the silent killer for a reason — it’s invisible, odorless, and can build up quickly from faulty boilers, cookers, or gas appliances. Installing a reliable carbon monoxide detector is one of the simplest, smartest ways to protect your household. Think of a CO detector as a smoke detector’s calm, invisible cousin: it doesn’t shout about flames, but it will warn you if invisible danger is creeping into your living space.
At their core, carbon monoxide detectors measure CO gas in the air and trigger an alarm if levels become dangerous. They translate what your nose can’t sense into a loud, unmistakable alert so you can act fast. Most detectors display CO concentration in parts per million (ppm) and use that data to decide when to sound the alarm.
Not all sensors are created equal. Electrochemical sensors are the gold standard for CO detection: they’re accurate, stable, and built to react to real CO presence rather than false triggers. Semiconductor sensors are cheaper and can work for basic needs, but they’re more prone to drift and false alarms over time. If you want long-term reliability, opt for electrochemical sensing.
ppm stands for parts per million — a way to measure very small concentrations. CO alarms don’t just go off at a single ppm threshold; they often weigh both concentration and exposure time. In plain terms: higher CO readings trigger faster alarms. It’s useful to know the display numbers, but even if a detector shows low ppm for a short time, repeated or rising readings are a red flag.
There’s a CO detector for almost every home setup. From simple battery units to connected smart alarms, the right type depends on your budget, how hands-on you want to be, and which rooms you need covered.
Battery-powered CO detectors are portable, easy to fit, and keep working during power cuts — a big plus if you live in an older property. Many models use replaceable 9V or AA batteries; some use sealed long-life lithium packs that last up to 10 years. They’re ideal if you don’t want wiring hassle.
Wired alarms tie into your home’s power but include battery backups so they still alert you during outages. These are a common choice for households wanting continuous protection without frequent battery swaps. Professional installation is often recommended for proper wiring and interconnection.
Plug-in units are handy for temporary monitoring — for example, when you’re staying in a holiday flat or want to test a room after servicing a boiler. They’re easy to move from room to room, but remember they rely on mains power and may not have long-life battery backups.
Modern CO alarms often come as combo devices that also detect smoke, or as smart versions that connect to your phone. Combination units reduce ceiling clutter and can be practical in compact homes. Smart CO detectors send alerts to your phone, integrate with home assistants, and sometimes log CO events for you to review later — a neat digital safety net.
When you’re comparing detectors, don’t just focus on price. Look for features that improve safety and make life easier.
Choose electrochemical sensors where possible — they’re more accurate and less likely to give false positives. Accuracy matters because you want alarms to sound for dangerous rises in CO and stay quiet for everyday harmless fumes.
Detectors have a limited lifespan. Many modern units include an end-of-life warning, often around 7 to 10 years, to tell you when it’s time to replace the whole unit. Self-test buttons and automatic self-check routines let you verify the detector is functioning without guessing.
Alarms should be loud enough to wake people sleeping in other rooms, typically exceeding 85 dB at close range. Visual indicators like flashing LEDs and digital displays showing ppm also help you quickly assess the situation if the alarm sounds.
If you want remote peace of mind, look for Wi‑Fi or smart-home compatible detectors. They send alerts to your phone, can interconnect with other alarms, and sometimes offer voice notifications. This is helpful when you’re away from home or managing multiple properties.
There’s no one-size-fits-all “best” detector, but several brands consistently deliver quality, reliability, and features worth paying for. Below are reputable names that you’ll see across the UK market, plus what makes them stand out.
Kidde makes a wide range of CO and combo alarms that suit most budgets. Their models often feature electrochemical sensors, clear digital readouts, and user-friendly self-test buttons. If you want a straightforward, dependable alarm you can fit yourself, Kidde is a sensible place to start.
Nest Protect is a premium option that combines smoke and CO detection with smart features. It integrates with smartphones, provides spoken alerts that tell you where the danger lies, and logs events so you can see what happened and when. If you’re building a connected home, Nest Protect is a polished, easy-to-use choice.
First Alert and its sister brand BRK are well-known for robust, reliable alarms with clear displays and long-life battery options. They offer both basic standalone models and combination alarms that make sense for family homes. Their products are often praised for reliability and simple maintenance.
Ei Electronics focuses on quality and compliance with European standards. Many of their detectors have electrochemical sensors and professional-grade options for landlords and installers. They’re a strong pick if you want a product designed with long-term reliability in mind.
FireAngel is another brand frequently seen in UK homes, offering a mix of battery and mains-powered detectors, including combo units. They’re recognised for good sensitivity and accessible features for everyday users.
Getting placement right is crucial. A detector won’t do you much good tucked behind a sofa or stuffed in a cupboard. Think about how CO spreads and aim to place alarms where they can sense the gas before it reaches sleeping people.
Install a CO alarm near sleeping areas and on every floor that has a fuel-burning appliance, such as a boiler, gas fire, or cooker. A common recommendation is to place alarms at about head height — roughly 5 to 6 feet above the floor — on a wall or ceiling where airflow is unobstructed.
Avoid placing alarms directly above or beside cookers, boilers, or flues, as brief harmless spikes from cooking or condensation can cause false alarms. Place them roughly 10 feet away from combustion appliances and not directly over fireplaces or stoves.
Prioritise bedrooms, living rooms that connect to kitchens, and any room with a gas or solid-fuel appliance. If you have an attached garage, put an alarm in the garage or nearby hallway, since car exhaust can introduce CO indoors.
Think of a CO detector like a smoke detector’s maintenance-hungry cousin: it needs regular checks to stay reliable. But the good news is upkeep is simple and quick.
Press the test button at least once a month to confirm the alarm and battery are functioning. Monthly tests are quick and give you confidence that the unit will alert if CO rises unexpectedly.
For standard battery units, replace batteries at least once a year or whenever the low-battery chirp starts. Many modern sealed units advertise 7 to 10 years of life without battery changes — they’re a great low-maintenance choice. Still, replace the whole unit when it reaches its end-of-life warning.
Dust and grime can affect performance. Wipe the unit gently with a damp cloth every few months, and avoid using sprays or solvents near sensors. Keep vents clear so air can circulate freely to the sensing element.
There are a few well-worn myths about CO alarms — and making the wrong assumptions can cost you safety or lead to annoying false alarms.
False. CO detectors are tuned to carbon monoxide only. They won’t detect natural gas leaks (methane) or smoke unless the unit is a combo model. If you suspect a gas leak, don’t rely solely on a CO alarm — treat it as a separate emergency.
Ventilation helps, but it’s not a guarantee. Faults and blockages can develop in boilers or flues without obvious signs. An alarm provides an independent safety check so you’re warned even when ventilation seems fine.
When shopping, balance cost against features and lifespan. A cheap unit might save you money today but cost you peace of mind later. Here are a few tips to help you pick the right device.
Budget detectors can be perfectly adequate for single-room protection. Mid-range models add features like digital displays and electrochemical sensors. Premium units — including smart and combination devices — bring app alerts and integration with home automation, which can be worth the investment if you want remote monitoring or have multiple properties to manage.
Look for compliance with relevant standards and certifications that apply in the UK and Europe (for example, EN standards). Certification gives you confidence the detector meets performance and reliability benchmarks.
If you already use smart-home gear, a connected CO detector can push alerts to your phone and let you act from anywhere. Combination smoke/CO alarms reduce device clutter and simplify maintenance, but ensure the unit performs both functions well — sometimes single-purpose devices outperform combos in specific tests.
Short answer: everyone. But some households should treat CO detection as a top priority — landlords, families with small children, older adults, or anyone with combustion appliances inside the home. If you rent out property, or if you’ve had appliance servicing work done recently, a reliable CO detector is not negotiable.
Choosing the right carbon monoxide detector is an investment in safety that pays off in peace of mind. Whether you prefer a simple battery unit, a wired alarm with battery backup, or a smart combo that alerts your phone, the most important step is to install detectors in the right places and test them regularly. Think of CO detectors as basic first aid for the air you breathe — small devices that do a big job when it matters most.
