Safety at home supersedes convenience and personal preferences. All homes need to be proactive about fire hazards, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The first step of being proactive against these hazards is knowing the difference between carbon monoxide detectors and natural gas leak detection.
Carbon monoxide detectors are not designed to detect natural gas leaks, and natural gas detectors will not detect carbon monoxide. Each device targets different gases with distinct chemical signatures. They are different hazards with unique warning signs. Carbon monoxide and natural gas chemical compounds differ, so you can’t use the same detection method for both.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of how to detect carbon monoxide and natural gas leaks. We’ll start by reviewing the key differences between them.
In This Article:
Key Differences Between Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Natural Gas
Natural gas and carbon monoxide (CO) are deadly gases, but they have different chemical compositions and sources.
Carbon Monoxide Sources and Characteristics
CO is so dangerous because it creeps up on you without noticing, as it’s colorless and odorless. It accumulates due to incomplete combustion, so it will catch you slacking while:
- Heating with an old or poorly maintained furnace.
- Using a generator indoors.
- Firing up a charcoal grill in an enclosed space.
- Running your car’s engine in a closed garage.
Even small concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause serious symptoms over time, and higher concentrations can quickly become fatal for both humans and pets. It lulls you to sleep, and most victims don’t notice symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness until it’s too late.
CO Poisoning: What to Do If You Suspect Exposure
Quickly act if you suspect someone else has been exposed to carbon monoxide.
- Leave the building immediately and get fresh air.
- If it is safe to do so from outside, turn off the suspected source—otherwise, prioritize evacuation and let emergency responders handle shutoff procedures.
- Call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
- Even if symptoms are not present, report to a hospital for monitoring. Sometimes, symptoms can take time to develop.
- Have a professional inspect your home for potential sources of carbon monoxide and make any necessary repairs.
- Install CO detectors to avoid future carbon monoxide poisoning.
Find out more on this discussion: “Do I Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector If I Have No Gas?“
Natural Gas (Methane) Sources and Characteristics
You may know natural gas as methane, though some forms of natural gas also have small amounts of other gases, like ethane, propane, or butane. It’s a fossil fuel formed from plant and animal matter decomposition over millions of years.
Just like CO, natural gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Like CO, methane is flammable, making it a popular energy source for home heating and cooking.
The methane used for cooking and heating is usually odorized with mercaptan so that users can smell a leak. It smells like rotten eggs or sulfur so that it won’t creep up on you like carbon monoxide.
Be glad when you smell methane because you can act before tragedy strikes. It’s not toxic when inhaled in small quantities. But it’s highly flammable, so you risk getting caught in an explosion.
Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Detect Gas Leaks?
As mentioned before, carbon monoxide detectors aren’t designed to warn you of a gas leak. Carbon monoxide detectors won’t detect these leaks because they are not designed to measure methane levels.
They only measure the presence of carbon monoxide in the air. That’s why it’s possible for a carbon monoxide detector to go off without any gas appliances being used.
However, a carbon monoxide detector will detect diesel fumes because diesel exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
Why CO Detectors Don’t Detect Natural Gas
1. Different Chemical Compositions (CO vs. Methane)
CO and methane are totally different gases with unique chemical makeup.
CO is a compound consisting of two distinct elements: carbon and oxygen. Methane contains four hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom, so it is considered a hydrocarbon. Due to their distinct chemical compositions, these two gases react differently with other substances.
For example, methane is highly flammable, so it’s commonly used as a fuel. CO is a bit less flammable, but it’s toxic to humans in small concentrations.
Their chemical composition differences also affect their physical properties. Methane has a slightly higher boiling point (-161.5°C) than CO (-191.5°C), meaning CO evaporates at a lower temperature.
Additionally, Methane has a smaller molecular mass than CO, even though it contains one carbon and four hydrogen atoms. So, there is a difference in densities between the two gases.
2. Sensor Technology
Sensor technology is crucial in detecting and measuring gases like methane and carbon monoxide.
CO detectors won’t pick up methane gas and vice versa because they use different types of sensors.
Carbon monoxide detectors typically use electrochemical sensors that release a small electric current when exposed to CO molecules, triggering an alarm.
In contrast, methane detectors use infrared (IR) sensors that detect changes in IR wavelengths when methane gas is present. Older sensor technology relied on catalytic sensors, which are less sensitive and prone to false alarms.
Risks of Relying Solely on a CO Detector for Gas Leaks
For some strange reasons, most homeowners install CO detectors in their homes. Maybe it’s because CO is such a silent, deadly killer that people are more aware of its dangers.
That’s great, but it’s not so great because most homeowners are comfortable just installing CO detectors. Some even think CO detectors will warn them when there are other gas leaks. That’s not true!
False Sense of Security
The worst part of having a false sense of security is getting caught off guard. Most homeowners believe that if they install CO detectors, they are fully protected from gas leaks in their homes.
CO detectors only detect carbon monoxide and no other toxic gases. So, if there’s a gas leak, such as natural gas or propane, your CO detector won’t warn you.
This misconception can be dangerous because homeowners may overlook other warning signs of a gas leak, assuming their CO detector will alert them to any danger.
How to Detect Natural Gas Leaks
1. Smell
Always trust your gut, instincts, and smell. Natural gas is odorless, but many utility companies add mercaptan to give it a stench that smells like rotten eggs.
Therefore, if you detect this strong, unpleasant odor in your home or yard, it could be a sign of a natural gas leak.
2. Listen
Again, your senses have a better chance of discerning a natural gas leak than CO poisoning. Natural gas in homes travels in pressurized pipes.
Therefore, listening will help you to detect natural leaks. Listen for any hissing or blowing sounds coming from your gas appliances, pipes, or meter.
Any unusual noises could indicate a leak, and you should immediately call for professional inspection and repair.
Additionally, if you hear a high-pitched whistle coming from your gas appliances, it could be a sign of a faulty gas valve.
Don’t ignore any strange noises; immediately report them to your gas company or a professional technician.
3. Gas Detectors
Install UL-listed natural gas detectors in your home for an added layer of safety. These detectors can sense low gas levels, providing an early warning sign before a potential leak becomes hazardous.
The best locations for your natural gas detector are near gas-burning appliances, such as stoves, water heaters, and furnaces. Your kitchen and basement are also good places to have detectors. Keep in mind that methane is lighter than air. Therefore, detectors for methane must be placed high, typically 6-12 inches from the ceiling.
These devices are your best bet for detecting natural gas leaks before the concentration becomes explosive. Replace your detector batteries at least twice a year and test them regularly.
Trust your smell and hearing sensors, as these natural gas detectors can be faulty or may not detect all types of gases.
Comprehensive Home Safety Tips
These two colorless gases can wipe out your entire family, including your pets. CO will poison you silently, and you’ll only feel the pain when it’s too late to save you. Methane can accumulate in enclosed areas and ignite if it reaches a flammable concentration and encounters a spark or flame. This can create a very dangerous situation for home and anyone currently inside it.
Gas leaks are a serious and silent threat to your home’s safety. Every year, many lives are lost due to gas-related incidents. The sad truth is that most of these accidents are easily preventable. How?
1. Use both CO and natural gas detectors in your home
2. Test your alarms monthly. Replace batteries and sensors as necessary.
3. Automate your gas system with smart detectors and shut-off valves.
4. Conduct regular professional inspections.
5. Educate yourself and family members on what to do in case of a gas leak.
6. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for properly using and maintaining gas appliances.
Get Kentucky Secured
Protect what you value most by contacting us, Kentucky Secured. Since 2014, we have been committed to providing safe and secure homes for our clients in Kentucky.
We install and automate sensors, alarms, and various leak detection systems. We’re also certified and insured, so nothing will go wrong working with us.
