# Carbon Monoxide Detectors: A Safety Net From the Deadly, Odorless Gas > CO poses one of the most serious hazards you face indoors and sometimes out, and the only way to tell if it's present is with carbon monoxide detectors. [![carbon monoxide detectors ](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/carbon-monoxide-alarm-300x248.jpg)](http://shutterstock.com)Carbon monoxide (CO) poses one of the most serious hazards you face indoors and sometimes out, and the only way to tell if it's present is with carbon monoxide detectors. Because it's colorless, tasteless and odorless, this gas poses a serious risk to your health, as it replaces the oxygen in your bloodstream and can be fatal. [![carbon monoxide detectors ](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/carbon-monoxide-alarm-300x248.jpg)](http://shutterstock.com) Fortunately, CO detectors are easily available and affordable as battery-operated devices, plug-in or hard-wired units. Choosing them with convenience in mind is important, but a few other factors exist that may influence the types you choose, like: - **At-risk factors**. Not everyone handles CO the same. Those with heart or respiratory problems, pregnant women and infants have a lower tolerance. Standard [CO detectors](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/carbon-monoxide-detection-throughout-house.html) are set to trigger the alarm at higher levels of CO or lower levels over a prolonged period. If you have someone at risk in your family, it's a good idea to choose a high sensitivity detector that's calibrated to sound the alarm at lower levels of CO. - **Aging combustion appliances**. Some hard-wired and plug-in detectors show a periodic readout of CO levels. Using these instead of battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors give you a better idea of how the much the CO levels build when the heating system, water heater or gas dryer runs. If they rise when they run, you'll have early warning that these appliances need servicing immediately. Because [symptoms](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/massachusetts-home-protected-carbon-monoxide-detectors.html) can mimic other conditions, like the flu, fatigue, sleepiness, headaches or nausea, it's a good idea to have a detector within 15 feet of bedrooms and preferably on [each level of your home](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/making-sure-your-carbon-monoxide-detectors-are-where-they-belong.html). They need to be placed 15 feet away from any fuel-using appliance to reduce false alarms. The battery-operated devices need to be checked monthly and those that use battery back-up, once a year. Depending on your carbon monoxide detectors helps you stay safer throughout the year, as is an annual check-up of your home's heating system. To learn more, contact [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We proudly provide expert services for homeowners along the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://Shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/carbon-monoxide-detectors.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/carbon-monoxide-detectors.html)