Does a Dyson Air Purifier Detect Carbon Monoxide?

I’ve seen several people asking if a Dyson air purifier detect carbon monoxide. Or if purifiers, in general, can detect or remove carbon monoxide. 

And I’ve seen a variety of answers.

Looking for the correct answer? Then here you go.

Yes. The Dyson air purifier does detect and absorb carbon monoxide. Or at least the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link does. 

The HEPA filter in this unit is in a sealed glass. It can absorb a variety of household gases, including carbon monoxide. 

Dyson has confirmed this information. But for some reason, the information is not freely available on their website, product descriptions, or even the user manual for the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link.

But now that that’s out of the way, are you looking for an air purifier that does detect CO?

dyson-air-purifier-detect-carbon-monoxide

Monitoring and Detecting Carbon Monoxide in the Home

Carbon monoxide has been dubbed the silent killer since people often die unaware that they’re being slowly poisoned.

It has no odor or color. It’s virtually undetectable. And it’s just as dangerous for your pets.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness

If enough carbon monoxide is in the air, these symptoms can hit within two hours. 

High levels will lead to unconsciousness and eventually death.

Carbon monoxide symptoms in dogs include:

  • Bright red lips, gums, and ears
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Drowsiness
  • Sudden changes in behavior, such as aggression or anxiety
  • Uncoordinated movements
  • Vomiting

Carbon monoxide symptoms in cats include:

  • Depression
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of hearing
  • Loss of stamina
  • Nausea
  • Red skin around the nostrils, lips, ears, and genitals
  • Seizures
  • Uncoordinated movements
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness

Note that in any situation, including humans and pets, the smaller the body, the quicker symptoms appear. 

The symptoms in a baby could appear within minutes instead of hours, and in a small dog or cat, much quicker than a large dog.

That’s why every home should have a carbon monoxide detector of some kind. 

It’s just as important as the smoke detector. Some might say even more important than a smoke detector since there are no clues to its presence. 

You can see, feel, hear, and smell fire.

Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link Features

Dyson has 4 purifiers in their lineup, plus the Pure Hot+Cold Link, which is basically a purifier in steroids. 

It doesn’t just clean your air; it also raises or lowers the temperature in your room.

Here’s a quick rundown of the features.

  • A state-of-the-art, 2nd generation filter with a 360° Glass HEPA filter made from borosilicate microfiber and pleated 333 times. The 360 glass filtration will capture odors and gases—including carbon monoxide—while the HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size. 
  • Long-range projection and smooth oscillation—up to 70%—ensure that the air of your entire room is circulated and purified. 
  • Two airflow modes mean you can focus it where you need it most. 
  • Depending on the season, you can heat or cool your air while you purify it. 
  • Remote control. 
  • Certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Should a Dyson Air Purifier That Detects Carbon Monoxide Replace Standard CO Detectors?

carbon-monoxide-detector

A Dyson air purifier that detects carbon monoxide — or any Dyson product — is a pretty big investment. 

And you may feel that having one in your home is sufficient for purifying your air and detecting a variety of VOCs and gases.

But should it replace standard CO detectors?

The answer is no. CO detectors are supposed to be placed throughout the home in various locations. 

Experts say, at the very minimum, one should be installed on each level of the home. 

If not on every level, then at least every level with a fuel-burning appliance like a furnace, stove, or fireplace.

Additionally, a CO detector should be placed in hallways outside of bedrooms.

Even if your Dyson air purifier is placed in a central location, it isn’t capable of detecting carbon monoxide until it reaches the filter. 

And for some, that may be far too late.

The Best Placement for Your Dyson Air Purifier

Whether or not a Dyson air purifier detects carbon monoxide — I’m not sure if all of them do — where’s the best place to situate one in your home?

To some extent, where you place an air purifier can have a larger impact on your home than the air purifier itself. 

In fact, tests have shown that it’s possible to increase the overall efficiency of an air purifier by about 20% if you’ve placed it in an optimal position.

The flip side is if you place it somewhere, like in a corner or perhaps behind some furniture, you’ll see a decrease of about 50% in its air purifying capacity.

So where should it go? 

Consider each point to help determine where you should or should not put your air purifier.

Largest concentration of pollutants. Take some time and decide which area of your home generates the most pollutants. 

That could be odors, smoke, mold, a pet’s bed or litter box, or something else.

Elevate it off the ground. Putting a purifier 3 to 5 feet off the ground allows you to capture air movement in both directions — air moves horizontally and vertically. 

Of course, if you have a sizeable floor-standing model, the fan may already be at that height.

High airflow areas. Give your air purifier as much help as possible by positioning it somewhere with increased airflow.

Don’t try to hide it. Your air purifier must be out in the open, so don’t put it in a corner, behind your furniture, or any other out-of-the-way place. 

None of these places will have sufficient airflow.

Avoid humidity. Your air purifier shouldn’t be in a kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom. 

Moist air is heavier and will reduce the capacity and efficiency of the filters. This is especially true with HEPA filters.

If you have a mold situation in a high-humidity spot, consider a dehumidifier instead of an air purifier.

Don’t get too close to your electronics. This is especially true with high-end, state-of-the-art air purifiers like Dyson. 

Keep it at least 5 feet from anything that might produce electronic interference.

dyson-air-purifier-detect-carbon-monoxide-featured-image

Does a Dyson Air Purifier Detect Carbon Monoxide? – FAQs

What VOCs does Dyson detect?

Most Volatile Organic Compounds can be detected by a Dyson air purifier, including formaldehyde down to 0.1 microns.

What air purifiers remove carbon monoxide?

Along with Dyson, Mila, and Magic Clean air purifiers can also remove carbon monoxide.

Should I leave my Dyson air purifier on all the time?

Yes. You should run your Dyson air purifier 24/7 to achieve and maintain the highest possible level of air quality.

Your Dyson Air Purifier Detects Carbon Monoxide!

So there you have it. 

Despite many sites saying the opposite, a Dyson air purifier does detect carbon monoxide. In fact, it’s not the only brand to do so.

However, there are a few things to consider. 

The ability to detect CO comes with a premium price tag. You still need to have standard CO detectors placed throughout your home.

READ NEXT: Do Electric Space Heaters Produce Carbon Monoxide?