Carbon monoxide (or CO) is a gas that can be produced by many sources in our homes. In small doses, it’s mostly harmless, but it can get lethal in larger amounts. What’s more, it’s odorless and colorless, meaning we may not even know there is a problem until it is too late.
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Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, Plug In Wall with AA Battery Backup, Test-Hush Button
That’s where devices like the Kidde carbon monoxide detector come in. This device will detect harmful amounts of gas and alert you so that you can do something about it before it’s too late
In this review, we will be taking a close look at this detector to see what it can do for you and determine if it’s worth adding to your home in order to keep you safer.
Key Takeaways
- The Kidde carbon monoxide detector will detect CO in your home before it gets to dangerous levels.
- Carbon monoxide can be lethal in high doses and is nigh impossible to detect on our own.
- A plug-in detector is good because it will always be on, but a battery backup is essential for power outages.
- Kidde is one of the top names in various detection devices for gases such as CO.
- The Kidde CO detector is great for its primary purpose but won’t detect other harmful gases.
Overview Of Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector
The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector is a plug-in CO detector that also has a battery backup for power outages. This detector will pick up harmful levels of CO gases in the air and alert you so that you can deal with whatever is causing the CO levels to rise.
For a more detailed look at CO detectors and how to install them, be sure to check out our overview on the subject.
Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide In Your Home
Carbon Monoxide is hard to avoid having in small amounts in your home, as it is created whenever something is burned. This could be from certain ovens, heaters, and other electrical appliances. In small doses, it is mostly harmless, but it can become very dangerous in higher amounts.
The worst part of it is that it is virtually undetectable without equipment. Higher doses can cause sickness and in some cases death, but the progression is subtle enough that you may not even know there is a problem until it’s too late.
This is why you certainly want to keep your CO exposure at safe levels, making these detectors a vital addition to any home.
Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a silent but deadly threat in homes, responsible for over 400 deaths in the U.S. annually, according to the CDC. The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector provides an essential line of defense against this invisible danger, alerting homeowners to harmful CO levels before they become lethal. With CO being produced by common household appliances, ensuring your home is equipped with a reliable detector is a critical step in safeguarding your family’s health and well-being
– Kirk MacDowell, Home Security Expert
Why you should consider Plug-In with Battery Backup CO alarm
There are always pros and cons to both wired and battery power, so having access to both is a huge plus. The Kidde Carbon Monoxide detector can be plugged in for constant power, but it also has a battery backup so you will still be alerted to dangerous CO levels even if the power is out.
This way, you have the best of both worlds and won’t be left vulnerable if the power does go out.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector Review
About The Kidde Brand
Kidde has been around in some form since 1917, and since then they have continued producing and creating products that aim to detect smoke and Carbon Monoxide levels. With such a long history, it’s easy to see why they have become such a well-known name in this field, and their products certainly reflect their expertise.
Key Features And Benefits
- Loud Alarm: The detector features a loud 85 dB signal to alert you to dangerous CO levels.
- Two Power Sources: You can plug in the detector for constant power, but there is a battery backup in case of a power outage.
- Easy To Install: The detector is very easy to install and has a convenient plug that will fit a standard outlet.
- Warranty: The detector comes with a limited 10-year warranty, giving you peace of mind.
Design
The detector has a simple, rectangular design. It can plug directly into an outlet, and it is small enough to not take up much space. Once installed, you may even forget it’s there until it makes itself known.
Setup And Installation
As we have touched on before, setting up the detector couldn’t be easier. You merely need to turn on the unit and then plug it into the outlet and you’re good to go.
You shouldn’t need to do much after that unless it detects CO levels.
Performance And Reliability
On the Amazon store page, you will see that it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars over 27633 reviews. This is an impressive rating and shows that most people had a highly positive experience.
Some people did encounter defective units, but this is very rare and not a prevalent issue.
Backup Battery Life
The detector requires two AA batteries, which do come included. As long as there is power, the device will not need the battery backup, but if it does need to revert to battery power, then you can expect a long battery life that should outlast the longest outages.
Customer Service And Support
If you purchase the device from Amazon, you can contact their support team for more information on how to solve any issues. If you would like to contact Kidde directly, you can find email addresses and phone numbers on their support page.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Can alert you to dangerous CO levels.
- Has both outlet and battery backup power.
- Easy to install.
- Will alert you when it needs to be replaced
Cons
- Takes up an outlet spot
- Only detects CO, not smoke.
- You will need multiple detectors for larger houses.
Verdict
After taking a look at this product in greater detail, we are overall very impressed. There are a few downsides, as there will be with any product, but they are so minor that they are completely outweighed by the positives.
Conclusion And Where To Buy
Overall, the Kidde CO detector is a simple yet effective device that performs its functions admirably. It would be easy to recommend the device even if it only had outlet power, but the battery backup is a really great bonus to have.
Not to mention that the device comes from one of the top names in detector production, so you know you’re in good hands. If CO exposure is something you’re at all worried about, then the Kidde detector would be an excellent addition to your home.
If you would like to buy one for yourself, you can do so from this Amazon product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kidde smoke alarms detect Carbon Monoxide?
Not all of their detectors will, but this particular one will do so.
Why is my Kidde Carbon Monoxide detector beeping?
If the detector beeps 4 times, it is an alert that there are dangerous levels of CO. Two beeps mean it may be time to replace the detector.
Are Kidde Carbon Monoxide detectors reliable?
Barring any malfunctions, their detectors are very reliable.
Do Kidd Carbon Monoxide detectors expire?
The detectors do expire, and have a lifespan of around 7-10 years.
How long are Carbon Monoxide detectors good for?
They should last for around 7-10 years.
How often to replace Kidde Carbon Monoxide detectors?
The detector will alert you when it needs replacing.
How does a Kidde Carbon Monoxide detector work?
The detector will test the air around it and create an alert if a dangerous level of CO is detected in the air.
