A carbon monoxide detector alerts you if carbon monoxide is present in your home or building, SafeWise explains. Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer.” It’s invisible to the naked eye, can’t be seen or tasted. Sources of carbon monoxide include common household appliances – stoves, furnaces, water heaters, etc.

For these reasons, it’s crucial to install a carbon monoxide detector, adds SafeWise, as they continuously monitor the air for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, and alert you of any possible hazards. You can also get a smoke detector that has a CO detector in it.

Is there a difference between a CO detector and a CO alarm?

CO detectors give you a continuous display of carbon monoxide levels in your home, while CO alarms alert you only if those levels become dangerous, according to Emergency Plan Guide. There are also devices that combine the two.