Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping? Emergencies vs. False Alarms

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Keep your family safe by understanding each beep pattern
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Because the carbon monoxide detectors in our homes are usually silent, it can be scary when they start to beep. However, not every beep pattern means there is CO in your home. In this article, we'll go over the various beep patterns you might hear and what they mean, plus some helpful info on what to do if there's a carbon monoxide emergency, how to reset a CO detector for non-emergency beeping, and how to avoid false alarms.

If you hear four beeps and a pause, evacuate immediately and call 911. If you don't know why your CO detector is beeping, it's always safest to evacuate and call for help, even in the case of false alarms.

What to Do if Your CO Detector is Beeping

If your carbon monoxide detector is making four beeps and then a pause, evacuate immediately and call 911. This pattern means CO has been detected, and it is an emergency. Other patterns mean the unit's batteries are dying, the unit itself needs to be replaced, the unit is malfunctioning, or it's a false alarm.

Section 1 of 4:

Types of Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeps

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  1. This pattern indicates CO has been detected and it's an emergency . Immediately evacuate all people and pets from the home, then call 911 (if there are any signs of CO poisoning) or your local fire department (if there are no CO poisoning symptoms).
  2. A regular beep every minute or so means that the battery in your carbon monoxide alarm is running low. CO detectors have batteries even if they are mounted on the wall, so they can continue to work if there's a power outage. [1]
    • For most CO detectors, you can simply remove them from the wall and replace the batteries on the back. However, refer to your detector's manual for instructions for your specific model.
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  3. Regular rapid chirping means that your carbon monoxide detector is nearing its end of life. CO detectors don't last forever and must be replaced once every 7 to 10 years.
    • If you own your home, replace your CO detector immediately. If you rent, contact your landlord to let them know the detector is dying and you need a replacement as soon as possible.
  4. A loose battery or false alarms from the environment. [2] First, check to make sure the batteries in your CO detector are new and properly placed in the battery casing. If the batteries are okay, consider the following to determine if the beeping is due to environmental factors:
    • The area around your CO detector is often humid or steamy and may even form condensation.
    • There's an air conditioner, heater, fan, or breezy open window near your detector.
    • The room is consistently under 40 °F (4 °C) or over 100 °F (38 °C).
      • If any of these are true, your CO detector may be in a bad spot. Try moving it to a different location. The manual that comes with your carbon monoxide detector will suggest the best spots to put your detector.
  5. The unit has become unplugged or is malfunctioning. Remove the unit from the wall and make sure it's still plugged in, and ensure the batteries haven't begun corroding (which can cause this beep instead of the dead battery beep). If you can't tell why your unit is making this long beep, contact the alarm manufacturer (as well as your landlord, if you rent).
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Section 2 of 4:

What to Do in a Carbon Monoxide Emergency

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  1. If your CO alarm is making a beep you don't understand, it's always safest to act as if it's an emergency. Never ignore a CO detector alarm .
  2. Take all people and pets in the home and go outside immediately.
  3. If anyone in your family is experiencing CO poisoning symptoms, even if they are mild, let the 911 dispatcher know immediately. [3]
    • Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurry vision, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, and/or loss of consciousness. [4]
  4. If you call 911, the dispatcher will most likely send the fire department and an ambulance to your location, so you don't need to call the fire department separately. However, if no one in your family is showing signs of CO poisoning, you can avoid calling 911 and contact your local fire department's non-emergency number.
    • Once you speak to someone at the fire department, explain the situation, especially if you know why your CO detector is beeping.
  5. The fire department has the tools to determine where a CO leak is coming from. Work with the fire department to determine next steps so you can safely return home.
    • If you rent, it's also a good idea to call your landlord once everyone is safe and let them know what's going on. If you live in a building with multiple units, the issue could be more widespread than just your apartment or condo.
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Reset a Carbon Monoxide Detector

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  1. Before resetting your CO detector , be completely sure that the unit isn't beeping because there's an emergency. If your unit is not beeping 4 times and then pausing and/or you've confirmed via the unit's screen that there's a non-emergency issue, you can proceed with resetting it.
    • If you aren't sure why your CO alarm is beeping, it's always safest to evacuate and call for help, even in the case of a false alarm.
    • Try fixing the root cause of the beep before resetting it. Use this step above to determine what the cause of the beeping is (i.e., a dead battery, a dying unit, etc.). If fixing the root cause doesn't stop the beeping or the beeping isn't caused by something you can figure out (but it's not an emergency), you can continue resetting the device.
  2. Some CO detectors have companion apps that can be used to control and monitor them. If your unit has an app like this, check the app for an option to reset the alarm .
  3. If your CO detector doesn't have a companion app, detach it from the wall and turn it over.
  4. If you have the manual for your carbon monoxide detector, check it to see what type of button your model has specifically. [5]
  5. If the button is recessed, use a paper clip to press it down.
  6. If the unit is still beeping incessantly, you may need to contact the CO detector's manufacturer and/or your landlord (if you are renting).
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Section 4 of 4:

Avoiding False Alarms

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  1. If the unit is dirty or covered in dust, the sensors may be compromised and the unit may not function properly and may start throwing out false alarms. Use a duster or microfiber cloth to clean off any dirt or dust, and use a gentle stream of compressed air to get dust out of any crevices or sensors.
    • Never use water, cleaners, or solvents. These may damage your carbon monoxide detector.
  2. If your detector is near air flow (such as an AC unit, heater, fan, or open window), is in a humid area, is surrounded by steam or condensation, or is near a fireplace or gas stove, your detector may be throwing false alarms due to these environmental conditions.
    • If this is the case, move your CO detector to a location at least 15 feet away from any of these environmental factors, if possible.
  3. Ensure the unit is securely plugged in and mounted properly on the wall. Also, make sure the batteries are in the right direction and the battery cover is replaced properly.
  4. To make sure your CO detector is working properly, make sure to test it once a year with canned carbon monoxide test gas. Also, be sure to test the unit's wiring at least once a month by using the Test button on the unit.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.service1st.ca/carbon-monoxide-detector-beeping-what-to-do/
      2. ↑ https://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/support/help-center/browse-articles/articles/what_causes_intermittent_beeping_or_chirping_.html
      3. ↑ https://www.firstalert.com/ca/en/safety-corner/what-does-the-beep-mean/
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carbon-monoxide/symptoms-causes/syc-20370642
      5. ↑ https://www.adt.com/resources/carbon-monoxide-detector-beeping?srsltid=AfmBOoqhIW9dnmHXgmeKA0RKWN6tYt8ZdkuLjVd-NZn0PMmShJcYl7Q3

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