A best carbon monoxide detector, or CO alarm, can save lives by alerting you when levels of the odorless, colorless gas in an enclosed space rise to dangerously high levels. They’re an important safety item for both renters and homeowners and are surprisingly affordable. They’re easy to install, too.

The Kidde Nighthawk is an excellent plug-in option with a digital display and backup battery. It also features a hush button and an end-of-life signal that chirps every 10 seconds until you manually reset it. This model uses metal oxide sensor chips coated with porous material that binds easily with oxygen, which changes the resistance and signals to the sensor that CO is present.

Top H2S Gas Monitors for Reliable Detection and Safety

Another reliable plug-in option is the First Alert CO615, which has a sleek design and a backlit digital display that lets you check your carbon monoxide level at a glance. Its peak level button marks the highest reading since the last test and it has an 85-decibel alarm, a hush button, and an indicator that shows when it’s time to replace the batteries.

A portable carbon monoxide detector is a great addition to your emergency preparedness kit, especially if you camp or use gas-powered cooking equipment in an RV or tent. This pint-sized model from Gzair clips onto a lanyard and includes a preinstalled battery that won’t need replacing for two years. It can charge via USB and has a 50-hour battery life so you can take it with you without worrying about it running out of power during an emergency.…