What's the Difference Between Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide?
Poisonous vs Harmless
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas with the molecular formula CO. It consists of a carbon atom triply bonded to an oxygen atom. Carbon monoxide is a commercially important chemical and is formed in many chemical reactions, as well as in the thermal or incomplete decomposition of many organic materials.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2), on the other hand, is a colorless, odorless, faintly acidic-tasting, and nonflammable gas at room temperature. Solid carbon dioxide, also known as Dry Ice, sublimes (converts directly from a solid to a gas) at -78 °C (-109°F) or above. Carbon dioxide has the molecular formula CO2, with a linear molecule consisting of a carbon atom doubly bonded to two oxygen atoms, O=C=O.
Important: Although both gases are common products of combustion, do not confuse non-toxic carbon dioxide with poisonous, deadly carbon monoxide.
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Why Should I Have a Combination Alarm?
Combination alarms save space in your home, and they mean you only need to test and change batteries in one device rather than two.
When Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Displays a Number with No Alarm
Any time a digital unit displays a number with or without an alert, assume it senses carbon monoxide. Leave the home and call 911.
Why Does My Battery Only Last One Month?
This is usually caused by the absence of AC power to the smoke alarm.
How to Find Manufacture Date, Serial & Model Number on a Fire Extinguisher
The manufacturing date can be located on the bottom of the unit (2 digits) or stamped directly into the cylinder (4 digits).