According to the CDC, over 20,000 people visit the emergency room for CO poisoning annually in the US, and more than 400 die. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a hidden threat inside a home; You can’t see, smell, or taste it. But even a small leak can make us seriously sick before we realize something is wrong. That’s what makes carbon monoxide so deadly: it gives no warning unless you have the right alarm in place.
And here’s the part many homeowners and landlords don’t realize: a CO alarm isn’t just a smart safety choice; it’s legally required in many U.S. states. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or property manager, skipping this device could put you at risk of code violations, fines, denied insurance claims, civil lawsuits, or even criminal liability if someone is injured or killed.
Why Carbon Monoxide Alarms Are Required
Many U.S. states mandate carbon monoxide alarms in homes, rental units, apartments, hotels, and other residential buildings. This is because CO poisoning can be prevented with the right detector. Building and fire codes across the country specify that CO alarms must meet strict performance standards, including the national safety benchmark UL 2034.
If you buy a cheap CO alarm on the Internet, it is very possible that it does not meet UL 2034. Without this standard, an alarm may sound too slowly when CO levels are high, or may trigger too easily when levels are harmless. Most local codes only recognize UL-2034-compliant alarms, so using a non-compliant device could lead inspectors or insurers to reject it; This is a major liability if an accident occurs.
Protect Yourself With An Alarm
Most homes have multiple potential CO sources, especially those using fuel-burning appliances like gas or wood-burning fireplaces, gas stoves or ovens, boiler and furnace, space heater, water heater, clogged chimneys, gas dryers, generators, or a running car in an attached garage.
If you want reliable protection, the SITERWELL Carbon Monoxide Alarm makes it simple as the product is designed for convenience and high accuracy. Siterwell is a global professional manufacturer of safety alarms, and its CO units meet the UL 2034 standard – giving you confidence in their accurate and reliable performance.
It unfolds and plugs directly into any standard 120V outlet, so there’s no complicated mounting, wiring, or setup required. You can use it at home or take it with you to hotels, RVs, and camping sites. Its advanced electrochemical sensor provides highly accurate detection, constantly monitoring for dangerous carbon monoxide levels and triggering a loud 85dB alarm the moment it senses trouble. Even during power outages – when people often turn to fuel-burning heaters or turn on generators, the alarm continues working thanks to its built-in battery backup, giving you up to 10 years of dependable protection.
A soft breathing light shows its status at a glance without disrupting sleep: green for normal operation, yellow for a fault or low battery, and red when CO is detected. If you need to silence it temporarily, a simple one-touch button makes it quick and easy. The alarm’s compact size, measuring just 4.72 x 2.76 x 1.65 inches, makes it easy to slip into a suitcase, backpack, or handbag.
I’ve been to some old Airbnb rentals with poorly maintained gas appliances, the alarm could protect me in those scenarios and I could sleep well at night. Whether the source is a fireplace, a blocked chimney, or any other fuel-burning device, the SITERWELL alarm is built to detect CO from all common sources.
Conclusion
Carbon monoxide alarms are mandatory in many states because they save lives. Ignoring CO safety could expose you to legal penalties or devastating consequences if someone gets hurt. Whether you own a home, manage rental properties, or simply want protection while traveling, investing in a reliable CO alarm is one of the simplest, most important precautions you can take.The SITERWELL CO Alarm gives you the protection for less than $20 on its official website or on Amazon.
