But as these detectors come with a number of different features knowing which one to purchase and install in your home can prove quite a challenge. So below we take a look at some of the features that the gas leak detector you should be choosing should come with. So ensuring that you purchase the right sort of detector to meet your needs.

Feature 1 – How Sensitive Is The System?

Yes you want a detector that will be sensitive so that even a small amount of leaked gas in the air will be detected. But you don’t want it to be so sensitive that should the levels of humidity within the room change or some smoke is in the air causes it to go off.

To determine how sensitive the detector is look carefully at the rating that it comes with. What you need to be looking at is the LEL (lower explosive limit) level that needs to be reached before the alarm is then set off. Although you may think that going for the lowest LEL level is best you should actually opt for those systems where they react once the medium levels have been reached.

Feature 2 – What Sort Of Alarm Is Used?

As you will soon discover the way in which the system informs you that gas has been detected in the air varies from one detector to another. There are a number that will inform you that gas has been detected by giving of a high pitched sound, whilst other warn you of the problem by a light flashing on them. If you can it is best to opt for the system that uses both forms of warning. However, for those who have people in their homes who have problems hearing things then opting for ones that light up would be best.

Feature 3 – How Easy Is The Detector To Install?

In most cases the kinds of gas leak detectors on the market can be installed by you in a matter of minutes as they just contain batteries to power them. However, if you want the system to be really effective then it is best to opt for the kinds of detectors that use a mains power supply to provide them with energy. These not only are much more sensitive to the amount of gas being leaked into the air but of course you don’t need to concern yourself with making sure that the batteries haven’t run out.

Above we have looked at the kinds of features that the gas leak detector you purchase is suitable. Keep these in mind and not only will you find one that meets your particular requirements best but also fits in to your budget.

By installing such a piece of equipment then should a leak of this extremely hazardous gas occur you will be made aware of it immediately. However as there are so many different kinds of detectors on the market today for telling us when a carbon monoxide leak has occurred choosing the right one for your home can prove difficult. Below we offer some advice on the kinds that are worth considering investing in.

Type 1 – Semi Conductor Based Detectors

This type of detector uses an electronic sensor to detect a leak of this gas and will be powered either by a battery or by being plugged directly into a power source. The main reason people choose this type is that it is the most affordable. Generally you can expect to spend than $50 on this type of carbon monoxide detector.

Within the detector is a ceramic base that is covered by tin dioxide and it is this that will react should there be any carbon monoxide within the air. Also contained within these detectors is a computer chip that monitors the levels of CO in the air and does this every 2.5 minutes.

Type 2 – Safe Air Entry Electrolytic Detector

These are usually more expensive to purchase than the previous type we have discussed above. But the great thing about these types of detectors for detecting carbon monoxide is that they do so a lot more quickly. The reason that this type is able to detect carbon monoxide in the environment more quickly is down to the fact that they have an electrochemical sensor within them.

Type 3 – Biometric Colorimetric Detector

Of all the kinds of carbon monoxide detectors now available this is the most expensive of all but it does use some very advance technology. Within the detector is an artificial haemoglobin disk that should any kind of carbon monoxide be present in the air it will change color. As soon as the color on the disk changes to a certain level then an alarm within the detector will be immediately detected. So of course offering you plenty of chance to remove people from the area and arrange to get the leak found and then repaired.

When it comes to purchasing any kind of carbon monoxide detector don’t just take into account how much you can afford to spend on this piece of equipment. Also think about what will happen should power to your home be lost and what sort of warranty it comes with. The best kind of course to choose are those that come with an additional power source such as batteries and are guaranteed for a period of 5 years.

How To Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector Video

However, before you make your purchase there are certain factors that one needs to take into consideration. One such thing is how sensitive you want the detector to be. Certainly you need something that provides an accurate reading but won’t go off as it detects smoke or humidity in a room. Plus it won’t cause it to go off when using the propane gas bottle on the barbecue in your yard.

Also you need to decide what sorts of gas you wish the equipment to detect for you when a leak occurs. So to help you make an informed decision as to which piece of gas detection equipment to purchase we take a look at the various kinds available below.

Natural Gas Detectors

These are the ones most homeowner purchase and will ensure that should a leak occur they are immediately informed of the situation. Generally these ones can detect the minutest amounts of gas in the air in some cases as little as 1 part per million. When it comes to this type of gas detection equipment they will provide an audible warning to the user. However, there are number that also come with a visual warning as well.

One such model that offers this is the General Tools NGD268 natural gas detector. This one is able to detect as little as 50ppm of gas in the air and normally provides a response of less than 3 seconds after only taking 30 seconds or less to start up.

Multi Gas Detectors

Unlike the first type of gas detection equipment we discuss in this article this particular piece is able to detect not only leaks of natural but also combustible gases as well. So this is certainly one if you use a variety of different gases within your home and garden.

One such detector to consider purchasing is the VISA multi gas detector that is capable of detecting and then displaying information regarding 5 different gases at the same time. This is done through using its “Plug & Play” sensor technology. Yet although it is capable of doing such tasks it is very robust and accurate and very easy to handle.

Finally when it comes to gas detection equipment there are some much smaller hand held systems available. Which you can carry around and so may well help you to quickly identify where the leak actually is. These do differ from the other types in that yes they come with an audible warning but some now have a vibrating indicator which helps to pinpoint even the smallest leaks from appliances or pipes. Should you need to be able to inspect for gas in areas that are hard to access or are dark to look in then the 16 inch long flexible probe has a light built into it. This may be the smallest type of gas detection equipment you can purchase it is still highly sensitive to detecting gas and is extremely accurate as well.

However, there are occasions when a fire can occur through no fault of the owner because a leak of combustible gas has taken place. So if you want to avoid such incidents in your home it is worth spending money on installing a combustible gas detector.

Today there are numerous different detectors available for alerting you to a potential combustible gas leak. These are relatively inexpensive and will ensure that you and your family remain safe in your home at all times. Below we take a look at the kinds of combustible gas detectors one can purchase.

TIF 8800

This is a very rugged type of detector and is very useful piece of equipment where any form of explosive gas such as propane or natural is used in the home. When this tool detects a source of combustible gas it will emit a high frequency signal similar to that you would expect a “Geiger counter” to come with. Plus as more combustible gas is detected so the pitch and frequency of the signal emitted intensifies.

It is able to detect between 1 and 500 ppm (parts per million) of gas in the air and when turned on will quickly warm up to ensure that detection can commence quickly. With this model you have the advantage of being able to adjust this particular kind of combustible gas detectors sensitivity.

American Gas & Chemical Co Ltd CGT-501

Just as with the above combustible gas detector you can purchase one that when plugged into a mains power source will be recharged. However, the cheaper version of this particular piece of equipment will need to have the batteries replaced. This one is very sensitive and is able to detect a gas leak that is only one part per million.

With this particular model along with the audible signal to inform you that a gas leak has been detected by it. But unlike the other models mentioned in this article this one allows you to turn the audio alarm off if you wish. Plus on the front of this particular model there is a meter that not only helps you to identify exactly where the leak is but also how large it may be.

Extech EzFlex

This is one of the smallest of the combustible gas detectors available today measuring just 16 inches in length. The gooseneck on this combustible gas detector makes it much easier for you access those hard to reach locations in a home where a possible leak could have occurred. Again it comes with not just an audible alarm but a visible one as well. This one unlike others also allows you to use it with just one hand and the sensitivity can be controlled using just your thumb helping you to eliminate any background levels of gas. Plus like all the others it is able to easily detect low amounts of combustible gas leaks in the home. Also check out the homepage for natural gas detectors.

So if you want to ensure that people are not exposed too this particular gas it is worth investing in getting a radon gas detector of which there are several types to choose from.

How Does A Radon Gas Detector Work?

One type of radon gas detector is an alpha track device. This contains small sheets of polycarbonate plastic in them and when the radon alpha particles come in direct contact with them tiny pock marks are created on it. To determine how much radon gas is in any given space the sheets need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. They count how many pock marks are on the sheets and the more there are so the higher the amount of radon gas in the space.

These detectors need to be left for some time in a space to help accurately determine the level of radon gas. Some may need only a couple of days whilst others may be required to be left for around 90 days.

Recommended Radon Gas Detectors

So if you are interested in determining how much radon gas is in your home then it is worth considering investing in the purchase of a radon gas detector. Below we take a look at some makes and models that are considered to be useful for homeowners.

1. Safety Siren Pro Series 3

By looking at its LED display you can quickly determine just how much radon gas is in the air. Along with providing long term readings in a room this one is able to provide short term ones that are given over the last 7 days. When you look at the menu button it provides you with 4 functions for controlling it. Number 1 allows you the ability to switch quickly and easily between the short and long term readings. Number 2 allows you to carry out a manual test of the radon gas detector. Number 3 is the one that allows you to turn the audible alarm on and off. Whilst Number 4 is what you will use to clear and then reset the detector in order to start a new set of readings using it.

Throughout the day it samples the air to take readings of radon gas in it and will update the display every hour. Also during every 24 hours it carries out a fail-safe test to ensure that it remains working at its optimum levels at all times. Plus it also has a power cord measuring 10 feet so you allowing the opportunity to place it wherever you wish.

2. RSSI’s Alpha-Track

Within this particular radon gas detector it has foils that tracks are made on when alpha particles make direct contact with it. However, to determine how much radon gas is in the air it requires a laboratory to carry out the work as to analyze the foil it needs to be treated with chemicals. When the tracks are exposed then the person carrying out the analysis can determine how much gas there is by the number of tracks that appear on it. So the more tracks appearing the greater level of radon gas in the air.

Looking around this site for other types of gas detectors such as natural gas detectors.

So if you really want to keep your family safe in your home at all times then you need to seriously consider investing in one of the many gas leak detectors now available.

What A Gas Leak Detector Can And Can Not Do

What you need to understand is that many of the gas leak detectors you can purchase are the types that will not tell you exactly where the leak is taking place. But rather that they will just warn you that one has occurred so helping to save you a lot of problems in the future.

Our Recommendations

So what sorts of gas leak detectors should you consider purchasing? Let’s take a look at just a number of ones that are worth considering.

1. Extech FG100
This particular type of detector is able to detect whether a propane or natural gas leak has occurred in your home. It is able to detect if there is between 500 and 6500 ppm (parts per million) of propane gas in the air and between 1000 and 6500 ppm of natural gas in the air. It requires 2 AAA batteries to power it and when turned on it will emit both an audible and visual alarm to the user should it detect any type of gas leak.

2. General Tools NGD7210 Precision Gas Leak Detector
Also known as “Gas Dog” this is very precise piece of equipment for detecting when a combustible gas leak has occurred. It comes with a very reliable sensor that is extremely sensitive and can detect even the smallest amounts of hydrogen, butane, and propane or methane gas in the air. Plus unlike other models available this one has a warning sound to inform you when the batteries powering it are running low. It is easy to handle and is extremely comfortable because of its ergonomic design. As with all models of gas leak detectors this one provides you with both a visual and audible warning.

3. Bolo Gas Leak Detector
With these particular types of gas leak detectors they are fitted with an advanced microprocessor. So controlling it is extremely easy and comes also with a very highly sensitive sensor fitted known as the Figaro 2611. As with all models it is one that is able to detect very small concentrations of natural gas along with combustible gases in the air very quickly. Plus as with the others mentioned in this article again it is fitted with both a visual and audible signal to warn you of any gas leaks in the home. To power it you will need to insert 2 AA batteries and can be used continuously for up to 8 hours. This is one of the smallest detectors for identifying gas leaks measuring just 4 1/8” by 2 1/8” by 7/8” and weighing just 6 ounces.

But you must remember that there is a possibility of a gas leak occurring at any time after the gas heating system has been installed. Therefore it is wise to purchase a natural gas detector for your home. But with so many to choose from how do you know which one is the right one to purchase.

What Important Features You Should Consider

The first thing to understand is that each detector will come with a variety of different features and this will not only affect the price but how it is installed. To make the right decision on which one to purchase think about how sensitive you would like your natural gas detectors to be. Yes it must be accurate but not one that will be set off because of humidity or smoke or by the barbecue outside.

It is a good idea if you can opt for those natural gas detectors that come with an alarm system that immediately notify you of any possible leaks in your home. Although most will sound the alarm a few only inform you of the possible leak by a light that illuminates. Certainly this type of alarm is best for those people who have hearing problems.

Our Recommendations of Natural Gas Detectors

So what sort of natural gas detector should you think about installing you use this form of gas in your home? In this article we take a look at some models that are worth considering.

1. General Tools NGD268 – This particular detector is very sensitive to a possible gas leak and comes with both audio and light indicators on it. To start it up takes no more than 30 seconds and is able to respond to any possible gas leaks within 3 seconds. It comes with an AC adaptor so that you can recharge it when necessary.

2. General Tool PNG2000A Pen – This one again gives both audio and visual warnings of a potential gas leak and comes with a catalytic combustion sensor. Unlike the other forms of natural gas detectors we write about in this article this one is very lightweight and compact. In fact as the name suggest this particular one is around about the size of a normal ball point pen. It also has a wrist strap so you can carry it around easily and ensure that it will sound as soon as it detects any gas in a room in your home.

3. R E Williams Contractor Inc 3 In 1 – Along with this particular model being able to detect a natural gas leak it is designed to detect the presence of propane gas along with carbon monoxide. As it is able to detect various types of gases and carbon monoxide it comes with two different sounding alarms. One which will go off should carbon monoxide be detected and the other should natural or propane gas is detected in your home.

This particular detector comes with computerized calibration so ensuring that no false alarms occur. Plus at all times when work it has its own self diagnostics system ensuring that it operates properly at all times. To use this particular natural gas detector you just need to plug it into a standard electrical (110-120v AC) outlet. Then once plugged in will sample the air every 2 .5 minutes.