Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or have been living in your current home for a while, a gas leak detector is a must for security.

While they all work in different ways, depending on what gases are being tested, the instrument should be able to detect the presence of combustible or toxic gases. After it detects these gases, there will either be an alert or an alert will be sent to your phone. Having the right gas detector in your home is important because it can be a literal lifesaver.

Here, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about gas leak detectors. We’ll talk about the various gases you should watch out for, what you should look for in a gas leak detector, answer some frequently asked questions, and provide a detailed review of 5 of the best gas detectors on the market.

What Types of Gases Should You Watch Out For?

Depending on the gas leak detector that you purchase, some can identify more than one gas. When purchasing your gas leak detector, the manufacturer should specifically state which gas or gases their detectors will sense. Some of the most common gases include:

Combustible gases – Natural gases that are comprised of methane and propane. There’s also an additional gas in there called mercaptan that has a rotten egg smell. If you’re not in the vicinity, however, you might not smell the leak until it’s too late. For these gases, you’ll need to purchase a gas leak detector with catalytic and infrared sensors and detectors should be placed nearer to the ground as the gas is heavier than air.

Toxic gases – If exposed to high levels of colorless and odorless toxic gases like carbon monoxide, the result could be deadly. Since these gases are lighter than air, you’d place them high up in a room. Unlike combustible gases, toxic gases are identified by electrochemical and metal oxide semiconductor technologies.

Rado – Radon gases are radioactive and are one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Hence, there’s no harm in ensuring that your gas leak detector can detect radon gases as well.

What to Look Out for When Purchasing a Gas Leak Detector?

Battery life

Make sure that your detector comes with an indicator, so you know whether or not it’s switched on. Make sure that your detectors are tested every month, and you should replace your batteries at least once a year.

Expiration date

Gas leak detectors do come with an expiration date, so that’s something that you’d need to take into consideration. Units can function anywhere between five and ten years, so you’d want to make sure that you’re replacing your device before then.

Type of gas

You’ll need to figure out which gases the device can detect and which gases it can’t. While it might be pricier, it could be a good idea to purchase a gas leak detector that can identify more than one gas and smoke.

UL-listed

To ensure that your gas leak detector functions correctly, it’s best if it reflects the UL listed mark to indicate that it has been tested and meets the necessary safety standards.

Sensors

You should check to see if the gas sensors come with a good amount of sensitivity. The greater the sensitivity, the easier it is for you to identify the source of the gas leak.