Simplisafe Carbon Monoxide Detectors: 10 Things You Should Know

If you’ve spent any time in an American home during the past few years, you’ve likely seen their sleek, battery-operated Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector.

These units are sold in the same places as traditional CO detectors, such as hardware stores and big-box home improvement stores such as Home Depot.

They’re also increasingly selling Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector and Simplisafe smoke detectors.

Do you want to know more about these devices? Are you considering buying a Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector? Keep reading to learn everything you should know about these home safety products.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and in many cases, tasteless gas. It is extremely toxic, and can cause headache, dizziness, confusion, and unconsciousness, as well as death.

Carbon monoxide is formed during the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, like wood and natural gas.

It is produced when a home’s furnace, stove, or other fuel-burning appliance is not properly maintained or installed.

This can happen if the appliance doesn’t have enough exhaust vents to safely remove the fumes from the combustion process.

These are the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Defective or improperly installed central heating system.
• Defective or improperly installed gas stove.
• Improperly maintained gas motor.
• Expanding gas lines due to freezing weather.

Are Simplisafe Carbon Monoxide Detectors For Everyone?

No. Simplisafe carbon monoxide alarms are designed to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning in the event of a fuel-burning appliance malfunction.

According to the EPA, more than 400 deaths each year are a result of this type of poisoning.

However, these alarms do not provide protection against any other common home hazards.

That said, these devices are a good investment for those who live in cities with older buildings and gas appliances prone to malfunction.

These homes are more likely to experience gas leak or gas stove malfunction and may have a higher risk of experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning.

Simplisafe Carbon Monoxide Detectors: 10 Things You Should Know

If you’ve spent any time in an American home during the past few years, you’ve likely seen their sleek, battery-operated Simplisafe carbon monoxide detectors.

These units are sold in the same places as traditional CO detectors, such as hardware stores and big-box home improvement stores such as Home Depot.

They’re also increasingly selling Simplisafe carbon monoxide detectors and Simplisafe smoke detectors.

1. What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that can cause serious health problems, including death, if it builds up in your home.

CO can be produced by a variety of sources, such as a malfunctioning heating system or an improperly installed gas stove.

2. How does a Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector work?

Unlike traditional smoke alarms, Simplisafe carbon monoxide detectors do not use sound to indicate the presence of CO.

Instead, these units are designed to detect the presence of CO by monitoring the amount of oxygen in your home’s air.

When you breathe in air, it mixes with oxygen and releases carbon dioxide (CO2).

The level of CO2 concentration in your home is measured by the Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector and compared with what's considered safe levels for indoor environments (10-15 parts per million).

If there’s too much CO2 present, the Simplisafe will alert you via text message or phone call to check on your safety.

The unit will also automatically shut off power to any connected appliances that could be producing dangerous levels or gases. (Read more)

3. Are all Simplisafe carbon monoxide detectors created equal?

Yes and no: while they are all made by the same company, they vary slightly from unit to unit based on how we use them and how they’re maintained over time.

Some models have sensors that are sensitive enough to detect even small amounts of CO, while others may require a more vigorous cleaning.

4. What is the Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector’s warranty?

Simplisafe carbon monoxide detectors are covered by a one-year limited warranty.

This means that if your unit fails to work correctly within the first year, you can bring it back to be repaired or replaced free of charge.

5. How long can I expect my Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector to last?

Most likely, you’ll get many years of life out of your Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector before it needs to be replaced.

The average lifespan for a smoke detector is 12 years, and for a CO detector, it’s about 8 years (source: Consumer Reports).

If you use your Simplisafe regularly during that time period, you should get many more years out of it before replacing it with a new unit.

6. Do I need to replace my Simplisafe every year?

No! If you keep your Simplisafe working properly and regularly test its battery levels (as described below), you should not need to replace your unit for many years after purchase - provided that you take proper care of the device over time!

7. Where can I purchase replacement batteries for my Simplisafe?

Replacement batteries are available separately from most major retailers and online retailers such as Amazon.

You may also find them at local hardware stores and home improvement stores.

8. What is the Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector’s battery life?

The Simplisafe CO detector’s battery life is dependent on many factors, including how often it's used, but for the most part, we recommend that you replace your unit’s batteries annually - no matter how often you use it.

This will give you at least 12 months of battery life before you need to replace them.

9. How do I replace my Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector’s batteries?

Replacing your Simplisafe’s batteries is easy! The two pieces are held together by two screws - one in each side of the device.

Simply unscrew them and remove them from your unit - then open up the housing and slide out the new batteries! For a step-by-step video on replacing your Simplisafe's batteries, click here.

10. How do I know when my Simplisafe needs its batteries replaced?

The easiest way to tell if it needs a new set of batteries is if the lights on the front are not bright enough for you to see; OR if you can hear a sound coming from any of its sensors (beeping or humming).

If either of these occur, then it's time to change out your unit's batteries! If you have any questions about this or anything else about your Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector, email us at [email protected]

How Do You Know If Your Home Has A Carbon Monoxide Leak?

If your home is equipped with a Simplisafe carbon monoxide alarm, you can check the level of carbon monoxide in your home with a smartphone app.

While this is a great feature, it’s important to note that the carbon monoxide level is an indirect indicator of a leak or other problem.

To get a more accurate reading, you’ll need to take other steps, like turning off your gas appliances when they are not in use and testing the flow of your gas lines with a tool called a gas flow wand.

You should also become familiar with the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and make sure everyone in your home is aware of them.

This will make it easier to locate the source of a potential problem and get help faster.

The Simplisafe Carbon Monoxide Detector Lifespan

All Simplisafe carbon monoxide alarm models are tested to withstand up to 10,000 alarms. As such, they should last 10 years with normal use.

However, they should be replaced or serviced before they reach the 3-year mark.

If you have a Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector that is more than 3 years old, get it serviced as soon as possible.

You’ll also want to make sure it’s installed properly and that you’re using the proper batteries.

Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector installation

All Simplisafe carbon monoxide alarm models include a mounting bracket, so you don’t have to drill into your wall to install it.

If you don’t have access to a stud or don’t want to drill into your wall, you can buy a wall plate separately.

The mounting bracket is designed to fit standard US household electrical outlets.

However, make sure that the outlet you use is compliant with National fire Protection Agency standards.

1. Simplisafe carbon monoxide alarm vs. CO alarm vs. smoke alarm

Simplisafe carbon monoxide alarms are designed to work with other Simplisafe products, such as the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

This means that you can install a Simplisafe smoke or CO detector in the same location as your carbon monoxide detector.

If you have more than one Simplisafe product, you can also use them together to create a single system that will alert you to all types of dangers.

2. Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector installation tips

If you’re installing your new Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector yourself, make sure that the mounting bracket is installed properly before turning on your gas appliances.

You should also make sure that the batteries are installed properly and that they’re fully charged before turning on your gas appliances or testing the flow of your gas lines with a gas flow wand.

If you have any questions about this or anything else about your Simplisafe carbon monoxide detector, email us at [email protected]

Simplisafe Carbon Monoxide Detector Key Features

• Overheat protection: If the carbon monoxide level rises above a certain level, the alarm will sound and stay on.
• Battery level notifications: The app allows you to set a battery level notification. When the battery level falls below the notification threshold, an icon appears on your phone screen.
• Smart replace: The app allows you to schedule a carbon monoxide alarm to be replaced before it is too old to be effective.
• Smart test: The app allows you to test the pathing of your gas lines and shut off your gas appliances when not in use.

Simplisafe smoke detector key features

There are three different types of Simplisafe smoke detectors:

• CO2 models dual: Carbon monoxide and dual-Smoke.
• CO2 models: The CO2 models detect both carbon monoxide and smoke.
• Dual- CO2: This model detects both carbon monoxide and smoke.
• Dual-Smoke: This model detects both smoke and fire.

The bottom line

Not only are Simplisafe carbon monoxide alarm detectors a great investment for your household, they are also a popular choice for many homeowners.

They are available at most hardware stores and big-box stores and they’re increasingly being sold as Simplisafe smoke detectors, too.

You should make sure the alarm you choose meets your needs and is installed correctly.

A carbon monoxide alarm should be maintained and replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

A carbon monoxide alarm installed correctly should provide protection against this serious threat for 10 years.