Will a carbon monoxide detector detect gas?

Author: Frederic Green  |  Last update: Thursday, July 17, 2025

No, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms cannot detect natural gas leaks. They are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas formed during incomplete combustion of fuels like oil, gas, propane, and wood.

Will gas set off a carbon monoxide detector?

Will a carbon monoxide alarm detect gas leaks? Answer: While a carbon monoxide detector is helpful to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you cannot rely on a carbon monoxide detector to detect a gas leak. A carbon monoxide detector will sense carbon monoxide, not raw fuel or gas fumes.

How do you detect a gas leak?

If you smell a sulfur or rotten-egg-like odor, you could have a gas leak. Natural gas is naturally colorless and odorless. We add an odorant called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it a distinctive smell. In some cases, you can also identify natural gas by sight or sound.

What kind of alarm do I need for natural gas?

UL-Listed: For peace of mind, and better assurance of their functionality and operational safety, your gas leak detectors should reflect the UL Listed mark, to indicate they have been tested by and meet the safety standards of the Underwriter Laboratories, a third-party organization that conducts rigorous independent ...

What alarm detects gas leaks?

Battery-powered natural gas leak detectors are a good option because they're easy to use. They have indicator lights that make it simple to spot if and where a natural gas leak is happening in your home. Spray detectors are another option if you're looking for something more affordable.

Selecting a carbon monoxide detector and natural gas alarm

What are the symptoms of a gas leak?

Natural Gas Leak Physical Symptoms
  • Ringing in your ears.
  • A reduced appetite.
  • Pain in the chest.
  • Nosebleeds.
  • Blistering or pale skin.
  • Flu-like symptoms.
  • Dizziness.
  • Breathing difficulties.

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak on Reddit?

Carbon monoxide detectors do not detect gas. They detect carbon monoxide only, which is invisible and odorless. It is created by burning natural gas, wood, etc. Gas is odorless on its own but is heavily scented so you'd smell a rotten egg type stench if there was a leak.

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector if I have natural gas?

Having natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors in your home can help protect yourself and your family from the dangers of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Contact us to find out how DeNova Detect can help protect you and your loved ones.

What to do if you smell gas in your house?

If you smell gas inside your home or business:

Get out immediately and go to a safe location 300 feet away or more. Instruct others to leave and evacuate the premises immediately.

What detector do you need for gas?

Single-gas monitors are smaller and can be less expensive, but they only monitor one type of gas. Multi-gas monitors, on the other hand, can be outfitted with multiple different sensors so they can accurately multiple gases.

Is there a charge to check for a gas leak?

The cost of leak detection is separate from that of performing repairs. Detecting a gas leak is also different than detecting a water leak. It's not unheard of to spend a few hundred dollars on this step alone. However, the exact cost depends on the method used and how the company sets its rates.

How to test for carbon monoxide without a detector?

Any of the following could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak:
  1. Floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob or oven, rather than a crisp blue flame.
  2. Dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances.
  3. Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
  4. Increased condensation inside windows.

What kind of gas does a carbon monoxide detector detect?

Most CO detectors use a sensor with a defined, limited lifespan, and will not work indefinitely. CO is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable by humans.

How to tell if a stove is leaking gas?

What To Look For
  1. The gas flames on your stove are yellow, not blue.
  2. You can smell gas near your stove, even if it's turned off.
  3. If you touch the oven door, it's hot to the touch.
  4. You can hear a hissing noise near your stove.

What if I smell gas but no leak?

If your home smells like gas, but there's no apparent leak, here are steps you should follow: Ventilate the house by opening all windows and turning on ceiling fans. After this, if the smell is persistent, evacuate your home. Put out any materials that can create a flame or cause a spark, such as any open flames.

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?

No, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms cannot detect natural gas leaks. They are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas formed during incomplete combustion of fuels like oil, gas, propane, and wood.

What smell can be mistaken for gas?

Hydrogen Sulfide

The gas has a strong scent of rotten eggs, which makes it distinct from other, similar gases. If you detect this rotten egg scent and you are using hydrogen sulfide at your facility, this could be evidence of a leak.

How to test for gas in a house?

How to check for a gas leak
  1. Listen for a hiss or whistling noise. Stop moving for a minute and focus on what you can hear. ...
  2. Check the gas stove or gas range top. When you turn on the burner, gas stoves will give off a blue flame. ...
  3. Try the soapy water test. ...
  4. Use a natural gas leak detector.

Is there a device that can detect gas leaks?

The gas leak alarm sensor is like a superhero that can detect butane, methane, and any odd smells lurking around. And the best part? It talks! It's got voice prompt, so it can be like, "Hey, watch out!

Does natural gas let off carbon monoxide?

Even though natural gas doesn't contain carbon monoxide, it can be produced when there's not enough oxygen present for natural gas, oil, or any other fuel to burn properly.

Should I open windows if I smell gas?

Do not open windows and doors if you smell gas outside your home. Natural gas is lighter than air, so opening windows and doors will diffuse the gas to outside of your home. DO NOT use any open flame nor touch any switches, including exhaust fan, kitchen fan, and light switches.

How long does it take for gas to clear out of a house?

After your gas leak is fixed, your house might still have a strong gas smell. Now you can open your windows and doors to let your home air out. You want to air out your house for anywhere between 15 minutes and a few hours. Do not assume that all the gas has dissipated once the smell disappears.

Is there an alarm to detect gas leaks?

Photoelectric Warning System: When the concentration of combustible gas reaches a preset level, the alarm emits an 85 dB audible and visual signal, alerting you to check for indoor gas leaks.

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