How to test that CO detectors actually work

r/homeowners • u/cmaronchick • Nov 04 '20

I change the batteries every six months and hit the test button, but is there a way to test that CO detectors actually detect carbon monoxide?

My understanding is that your should swap them out every ten years, but it'd be nice to confirm that they're still operational before then. Or am I worrying too much?

Also, is it worth doing the same thing with smoke detectors?

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u/jackd90 Nov 05 '20

The test button only verifies that the beeper, circuit, and batteries are good. It doesn't verify that the actual sensor/detector is working properly, that's what OP is asking on how to test.

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u/cmaronchick Nov 05 '20

Exactly. Thanks.

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u/[deleted] Nov 05 '20 edited Nov 30 '20

[deleted]

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u/jackd90 Nov 05 '20

I'm not disagreeing that it's dangerous, I was just clarifying. Just because the test function works doesn't mean that the sensor didn't go bad or is damaged/clogged. There's a reason why the more reputable smoke detector brands have dual photoelectric sensors, redundancy in case one fails to detect smoke.