There is a different kind of fun in moving from one rental to another for people who love the change. It is like cherishing the new scenery, fresh paint, new possibilities, and finally making it your own space. While unpacking or decorating, have you noticed those disc-shaped devices on the walls or ceilings? Well, if you don’t see it, then this is also a problem.
If you have seen these devices, then these are the carbon monoxide (CO) and natural gas alarms that beep annoyingly when they detect the gas in the air or when their battery is low. So here’s what every renter needs to know about carbon monoxide and natural gas alarms in apartments. Both of these alarms have specific roles, and it is their job to save your life from gas poisoning.
As a renter, if you are in an older building or have just started living independently, you should know the difference between the two alarms.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Vs. Natural Gas Alarms
We usually don’t take these alarms seriously because we don’t actually see a threat. These gases may not be seen or detected with the human eye or senses, but they are highly dangerous. Carbon monoxide and natural gas alarms are also confused to be the same, as they are designed to warn you of danger.
However, they’re not interchangeable or the same. They both have different purposes; let’s say one alerts you of a silent cumulative poison, and the other alerts you of an explosive threat. Let us tell you how each alarm works.
How They Sense Danger
Do you know that even their noises are calibrated for different molecules? This is where the science works.
In Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Since carbon monoxide is an invisible gas, its leakage is known as an invisible threat. The CO alarms are calibrated to detect carbon monoxide levels in parts per million (ppm) like a highly sensitive air quality monitor. On the other hand, natural gas leak detectors work to detect an IMMEDIATE explosion risk.
The CO gas detectors WARN you about an upcoming threat, which is not about an immediate boom but about a poison that acts within your body slowly but steadily. The CO alarm will trigger at certain concentrations as per the defined periods. For example:
- The CO alarm will not make a sound for 30 ppm of CO over 30 days, but it will if it detects 70 ppm for 60-240 minutes.
- The higher concentration of CO (150 ppm) will make the alarm trigger much faster, within 10-50 minutes.
- If there is a critical concentration, such as 400 ppm, the alarm will be blaring within 4 to 15 minutes.
- These alarms are timely, giving you enough time to evacuate before you witness severe symptoms or death. Note that even a lower level of CO can be poisonous over time.
In Natural Gas Alarms
These are different from the CO alarms because they are alarming you for a catastrophic blast. They detect methane (CH4), which is the main component and the bone of contention here. Besides methane, some models of these alarms also detect the leakage of propane and butane gas. However, they don’t work on ppm as these gas alarms trigger at gas concentration as a percentage of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
Now, what is the LEL? It tells the minimum concentration of an explosive gas in air. Usually, in most alarm systems, a 5% LEL around the air volume is set to trigger the alarm. The alarm will trigger the sound long before it’s too late and will give the final sound when the gas concentration is 10-15% of the LEL.
It warns earlier than the CO alarm because natural gas can ignite instantaneously with just a single spark, while the CO takes time to incapacitate.
The Location And Placement Of Carbon Monoxide And Natural Gas Alarms
The placement of these alarms is important to get them to their maximum functionality. Their placement depends on how each gas behaves.
The CO Alarms
This invisible gas mixes with air and poses the danger of inhalation.
- It is placed near sleeping areas and on every level of the home, as CO can travel, and you have to be alerted even when sleeping.
- Even if you are on the third floor and the furnace is in the basement, you need the CO gas detector on an upper floor to stay vigilant.
- You have to place it 15 feet away from the fuel-burning appliances to prevent false alarms from initial fumes.
- You don’t place it near vents, windows, or in direct sunlight, as air current can dilute CO or prevent it from reaching the sensor. In fact, extreme temperatures can affect the sensor’s accuracy. Place it in stable environments where the circulation of air is moderate.
The Natural Gas Alarms
First thing to keep in mind is that the natural gas methane is lighter than air, so it rises up in the air. So, the installation strategy is dependent on this factor.
- You have to place a home gas detector near the stove, furnace, and water heater, as these are the major sources of gas leaks. This will make sure it is detected early.
- These are ideally placed higher on the wall or ceiling as methane rises. The higher placement will capture the gas and trigger the alarm.
- Before you place it, check the manufacturer’s instructions. Specific models will have unique placement guidelines, so don’t forget to read them.
What Every Renter Needs to Consider
Not every renter will need both of these alarms in their house, so you should understand your living situation and decide on your alarm needs. Also, before you buy a new alarm or check what your landlord has already installed, consider asking yourself these questions.
What Type of Gas Appliances Does My Rental Have?
Does your home have a gas furnace, gas water heater, gas stove/oven, or a gas clothes dryer? If yes, you absolutely need a carbon monoxide alarm (due to incomplete combustion) and a natural gas alarm (for leaks).
Does your rental only have electric appliances (electric stove, electric water heater, electric furnace)? You don’t really need a CO alarm but it is recommended because CO can still enter from an attached garage (car exhaust), a faulty chimney from a neighbour, or even a portable generator used improperly nearby.
So, a CO alarm is still highly recommended as a general safety measure, even without direct gas appliances. However, for natural gas, if there’s no natural gas line to your unit at all, a dedicated natural gas alarm might not be much needed, but prevention is better than cure.
What are the Laws in My State or City?
Most jurisdictions mandate that landlords install CO alarms, especially in properties with fuel-burning appliances. Some even require natural gas leak detectors. It’s YOUR responsibility to search your local law or ask your nearby real estate agents about the local laws for alarms.
Single vs. Combination Units
Standalone CO Alarms are dedicated to detecting only carbon monoxide. They’re a solid, reliable choice, often mandated by law, and a good personal addition if your landlord provides only a natural gas alarm.
Standalone Natural Gas Alarms focus solely on flammable gases. Essential for any home with natural gas appliances.
Combination CO and natural gas alarms for home use are popular for their convenience, offering dual protection in one unit.
- Pros – Space-saving, often more cost-effective than buying two separate units, and simplifies battery changes/maintenance.
- Cons – A single point of failure means if the unit dies, you lose both protections. Also, be aware that the alarm tones for CO and natural gas can be different, but if they’re similar, a renter in a panicked state might confuse the specific danger. Always verify the distinct alarm patterns in the manual.
Wired Alarms (often with battery backup) are hardwired into the building’s electrical system. They offer consistent power and are often interconnected (if one sounds, they all sound). While typically landlord-installed, it’s good to know their presence.
Battery-powered gas detectors run solely on batteries. They’re easy to install (just screw it in or stick it on) and work during power outages. These are great if you want to add extra layers of protection yourself, but remember to diligently replace batteries.
Conclusion
If you ever come across the blaring sounds of these alarms, try to follow the protocols for each of these gases. For a CO alarm, evacuate immediately and call 911 for help. And for the natural gas alarm, evacuate the place immediately, try not to use light switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark, and call your emergency helpline to get help.
Once you know what each alarm means and how to place each of these alarms, you will be safe as a renter and avoid any damage.
