CTVNEWS

Finding the right smoke and carbon-monoxide detector

Pat Foran CTV News Consumer Reporter
Published Thursday, October 8, 2009 8:25AM EDT

Text:

The good news is that carbon-monoxide and smoke detectors have gotten much better -- but they still have a way to go.

There are new models of detectors that can both detect fire and carbon monoxide in the same unit. But be aware that smoke detectors use two kinds of technology.

Ionization is best at detecting a fast burning fire while photoelectric models are better for a smoldering fire like in a mattress. Since ionization alarms are prone to false alarms from burnt toast and shower steam -- you may want to use a photoelectric model in the kitchen and outside your bathrooms.

Another good plus -- look for detectors with a feature that allows them to wirelessly communicate. That way if a detector goes off in the basement, it will tell the one in your bedroom to go off as well. This is a life-saving new improvement.

Also look for detectors that have a hush feature as this will make it less likely that someone will remove the battery in case it goes off.

The Canadian Safety Council reports that about 200 Canadians die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year.

Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, but carbon-monoxide alarms should be replaced after five. That means you need to replace a combination alarm every five years.

It's also important to have a carbon-monoxide detector on each level of your house -- the basement, ground floor and the upper level.

Interconnected carbon-monoxide alarms often only communicate with alarms made by the same company. So if you're installing several CO alarms, check to be sure they are all compatible with each other.

The First Alert OneLink is available in Canada for $90. The stand-alone First Alert is also available in Canada, for $55. First Alert is available at Wal-Mart, Zellers, TSC stores, Tru Serv and select Loblaw, Metro and Sobeys locations.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: