Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Detect Natural Gas?

Imagine trusting your toaster to detect a fire—it’s just not equipped for the job. The same logic applies to carbon monoxide detectors when it comes to natural gas leaks. While carbon monoxide and natural gas share similar properties, like being odorless and coming from appliances like stoves, they are vastly different in how they’re detected. 

If you have questions about carbon monoxide detectors and if they detect natural gas, you’re in the right place. We’ll clarify the differences and provide practical tips on how to properly safeguard your home from both hazards.  

Natural gas vs. carbon monoxide  

Knowing the difference between natural gas and carbon monoxide can make all the difference in the safety of your home.  Let’s take a look at the differences between natural gas vs. carbon monoxide and why homeowners often confuse them 

What is natural gas?  

Found deep within the Earth, natural gas is a fossil fuel composed primarily of methane. Natural gas comes from the decomposition of plants and animals from millions of years ago. The gas that’s pressured from the heat exchange over time is natural gas! 

Natural gas is used in the home for many everyday functions, including cooking, heating, and powering appliances like clothes dryers, fireplaces, and outdoor grills. One of the most common risks of using natural gas in your home is the risk of natural gas leaks which can lead to explosions or fires if exposed to sparks.  

What is carbon monoxide?  

The incomplete burning of carbon-based materials creates carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas. Think about it this way: every time you start up a gas burner on an oven and you keep the burner clicking before the flame can light, this can cause carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can come from gas or oil furnaces, fireplaces, portal generators, and even clothes dryers if their vents are blocked. 

This gas can be dangerous because it binds to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen from reaching the body’s cells, and can suffocate you. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can cause poisoning and serious illness. 

Key difference: natural gas vs. carbon monoxide  

The key difference between these two gases is how each is created. Natural gas is composed of methane (CH₄), a naturally occurring fossil fuel, while carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. 

Do carbon monoxide detectors detect natural gas?  

No, carbon monoxide detectors do not detect natural gas or natural gas leaks. 

A carbon monoxide detector is specifically designed to detect carbon monoxide, not natural gas like methane. These detectors sense when CO levels reach dangerous concentrations in the air, which occurs when fuel-burning appliances malfunction or aren’t properly vented.  

When a large amount of CO is inhaled, this poisonous gas can be fatal. Carbon monoxide forms from incomplete combustion in appliances like stoves, furnaces, or cars. 

Dual carbon monoxide and natural gas detectors, available online from Amazon, are easy to install and can alert you when a gas leak is detected.  

Why the confusion? Many people assume that CO detectors cover all gas-related risks, but they don’t. Carbon monoxide and natural gas are two separate threats, requiring separate detectors for proper home safety.  

How to tell if you have a natural gas leak  

How can you tell if you have a natural gas leak in your home? Try conducting the soapy water test! 

Start by mixing dish soap and water in a dish and pour your mixture into a squirt bottle. Bush or spray your solution over the area you suspect is leaking gas. After waiting a few minutes, if you see bubbles forming around the area you sprayed, you likely have a gas leak. 

Another way to tell if you have a natural gas leak is to call a professional for confirmation and repair. Never try to fix a gas leak yourself, as it can be extremely dangerous. Additionally, if you suspect a significant leak, leave your home and contact your gas company or emergency services right away. Safety should always be the top priority. 

Signs of a gas leak 

If you suspect there’s a gas leak in your home, here are some of the most common signs of natural gas leaks to look out for: 

• Hissing or blowing sounds near gas lines.  

• Dead vegetation near exterior gas lines.  

• The distinctive sulfur or rotten egg smell (added to natural gas for easy detection).  

• Dizziness or nauseousness 

How to prevent gas leaks  

• Schedule Annual Inspections: Have a professional inspect your furnace, water heater, and any gas appliances annually. This ensures they are functioning correctly and safely.  

• Clean Appliances Regularly: Dust and debris can block vents and combustion air in gas appliances. Regular cleaning helps ensure proper airflow and reduces the risk of incomplete combustion, which can lead to carbon monoxide production.  

• Check Gas Lines and Connections: Inspect visible gas lines for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Look for loose connections that could lead to leaks. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for repair.  

• Ventilation Requirements: Make sure that rooms containing gas appliances have adequate ventilation. For appliances that require fresh air for combustion, ensure vents are clear and functioning properly.  

• Use Exhaust Fans: Install and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to help disperse gas fumes and maintain air quality.  

• Open Windows: In areas where gas is used, regularly open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce the concentration of any potentially harmful gases.  

• Invest in a Natural Gas Detector: Consider purchasing a natural gas detector, especially if you use gas for heating or cooking.  

• Replace Batteries Annually: Make it a habit to change the batteries in your detectors at least once a year, preferably when you change your clocks for daylight saving time. This ensures the detectors are always ready to alert you to danger.  

Best smoke and carbon monoxide detectors 

If you’re looking to take your home to the next level of protection, check out our list of the best combo smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:  

Nest Protect: This awesome piece of tech automatically tests itself to ensure it’s running properly. With dual smoke and CO-detecting capabilities, this alarm features functions where you can “hush” your alarm from your phone without any extra hardware. The Nest Protect also has a voice feature that alerts you of early warnings of fire. This makes Nest Protect one of the best smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound: With Alexa-enabled capabilities, this model is equipped with a photoelectric smoke and electrochemical carbon monoxide alarm. The First Alert Onelink comes with an easy setup including AC adapter plugs, so you don’t have to rewire your electrical system. 

X-Sense SC01: At a modest price of only $39.99 (at the time this article was written), the X-Sense SC01 is one of the best smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This model comes with a 10-year battery and comes with color-coded LED lights that inform you of your home’s status and notifies you of any danger. 

Best natural gas detectors  

If you’re in the market to invest in a natural gas detector, here are a few of our favorites: 

Kidde Nighthawk NG Detector: The Kidde Nighthawk is one of the best gas and CO detectors with its clear display of the level of carbon monoxide in your home. Even despite power outages, this alarm still works to keep your family safe and sound. According to their website, “the gas sensor is designed to detect natural gas (methane) or propane.” 

Amprobe GSD600: This affordable and portable option detects methane and propane gas. The Amprobe quickly identifies and pinpoints where your gas leak is. This meter emits a frequency tone when gas is detected with LED levels that indicate the severity of gas that is present. 

DeNova Natural Gas Detector: The DeNova natural gas detector has a 10-year battery. This model is equipped with early warning technology proven to warn you up to 11 minutes faster to provide more time to escape safely. 

What to do when a gas leak occurs  

1. Leave the premises as quickly and calmly as possible. Do not stop to gather belongings; your safety is the top priority. 
2. As you exit, open doors and windows to help ventilate the area if it is safe to do so. 
3. Once you are at a safe distance from the building, call your local gas company or emergency services (such as 911) and report the leak. 
4. Stay away from the area until professionals have inspected and declared it safe.  

What NOT to do when you suspect a leak  

1. Never attempt to locate the leak’s origin. Every moment spent searching increases your exposure to potentially hazardous gas levels. 
2. Do not use any potential ignition sources, including electricity, battery-operated equipment, matches, and lighters. Even small sparks from phones, appliances, or flames could trigger a catastrophic reaction. Exit your home immediately, then use your phone to call for help. 
3. Do not keep your house sealed. If you have time while evacuating, open windows and doors to ensure proper airflow and prevent dangerous gas accumulation. 
4. Do not try to fix the leak yourself. Despite the temptation to fix the problem quickly, gas line repairs require specialized training and equipment and should always be left to trained professionals. 

FAQs  

How long do carbon monoxide detectors last?  

Carbon monoxide detectors typically last 5 to 7 years, depending on the model and usage. It’s important to replace them after their expiration date for reliable performance.  

Does natural gas produce carbon monoxide?  

Yes, natural gas can produce carbon monoxide when it is burned incompletely due to insufficient oxygen or malfunctioning appliances.  

Is carbon monoxide a natural gas?  

No, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, while natural gas is primarily composed of methane.  

Is natural gas renewable or non-renewable?  

Natural gas is considered a non-renewable fossil fuel, as it is formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient organisms and cannot be replenished within a human timeframe.  

However, natural gases’ role in the energy landscape is evolving. Natural gas serves as a better alternative to other fossil fuels like coal and oil, producing fewer emissions when burned. 

In the end, carbon monoxide detectors are essential, but they cannot detect natural gas. Each detector serves a unique purpose: carbon monoxide detectors alert you to the presence of the dangerous, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion, while natural gas detectors can detect leaks of natural gas, which has a distinctive added odor for safety. Investing in both carbon monoxide and natural gas detectors can help make your home safer.