Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping? [5 Things You Should Do]
A carbon monoxide detector and an alarm are designed to alert users about the unsafe level of carbon monoxide—these work through making flashing lights and noise.
Nevertheless, they also make flashlights and noise under some conditions. The noise that they made was described as chirping, beeping, and squeaking.
The majority of carbon monoxide detectors make sounds a much shorter chirp and beep.
What does a carbon monoxide alarm sound like?
The beeping noise is used for alerting you to unsafe CO levels. Usually, this can be in the form of four beeps.
This pattern is continuously repeated until the CO level drops or until pressing the mute button. If you have heard the sound from your carbon monoxide detected, don’t just ignore it and consider taking action immediately.
On the contrary, the chirping sound is used for reporting some problems with the detector. It isn’t as critical as beeping alarms, yet it must be addressed.
The chirping will tell you that the detector might not be a function or could fail soon. This may be reporting a low battery, a unit malfunction, an internal error, or the end of the internal sensor’s useful life.
Taking action is essential to keep you protected from the danger brought by carbon monoxide poisoning. Change the battery or try replacing the device, yet keep the carbon monoxide detector operating.
While almost all carbon monoxide detectors will sound the alarm for a high level of carbon monoxide, there is not as much uniformity in chirping sounds.
The carbon monoxide detectors that are non-UL listed include all low-level detectors you feature, every alarm in its way. Check the user’s manual that came with your carbon monoxide detector to interpret chirping noises.
The digital display is beneficial because this gives additional visual information. But, when you hear your carbon monoxide detector beeping, what are the things you should do?
In this case, take action as soon as possible. Don’t stay in your place and vacate the area being affected. You can also consider calling somebody for help to fix the issue that causes a high level of carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping? Here’s What You Need to Do
Here are the other things you should do if your carbon monoxide detector is beeping.
- Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Look for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
- Call for Emergency Services
- Test Your CO Detectors regularly
- Get Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspected
1. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
The majority of people have installed smoke alarms that function as carbon monoxide detectors. That might not be the best option, though, and it’s essential to make sure you find the best place to install a carbon monoxide detector so that it’s effective.
While smoke alarms are best placed on the ceiling, that’s not the best spot for a carbon monoxide detector. See to it that you know what type you have.
The importance of several beeping might mean other things for different kinds of detectors. If your carbon monoxide detector is low on battery, you’ll likely hear short chirps each minute.
Almost all carbon monoxide detectors beep four or five times in a row about every four seconds. Never misinterpret the dangerous level of poisonous gas for a carbon monoxide detector with low battery alerts.
Even if there’s no one on the property experiencing symptoms, if there is a chance your detector signals a high level of carbon monoxide, get everybody outside to get some fresh air.
Carbon monoxide alarm beeping?
2. Look for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
It should be the first thing you should prioritize. Here are the common carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms that you should look out for:
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- A high level of poisoning may lead to loss of muscular coordination and consciousness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
Typically, your pets will be poisoned by too much carbon monoxide in the property before humans do. They might become unresponsive or weak, so be aware of it when checking for symptoms and exiting a place.
If you heard a carbon monoxide detector beeping, act immediately. The more carbon monoxide you breathe in, the more likely you will face serious health consequences.
The reason behind it is that the poisonous gas replaces oxygen in your blood. This could lead to long-term brain damage, death, heart damage, and organ damage.
It isn’t uncommon for some to think they have flu symptoms when their life is actually in danger. Therefore, it is better to be safe by searching for fresh air once your carbon monoxide detector goes off.
Take note that breathing in carbon monoxide may affect every person differently and when you’re unconscious, there’s a chance to get out unharmed.
3. Call for Emergency Services
Once you’re out of the property, contact an emergency service or local fire department. Check your family members and your guests if they made it out of your property safely.
If somebody is missing, don’t consider entering the building again and let the emergency services do the job for you. It is always wise to have an escape plan in place for fire emergencies or carbon monoxide poisoning.
This will help everybody on the property know what you should do and where to meet in an emergency.
4. Test Your CO Detectors regularly
Although you had a false alarm, it is crucial to test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly. For detectors plugged into an outlet, you must test this once every month.
If your carbon monoxide detector is battery-powered, change your batteries once a year. Typically, carbon monoxide detectors last for five to seven years before they must be replaced.
Many manufacturers also recommend upgrading or replacing your CO detector after five years. If it’s time for a new device, we recommend reading our guide to the best carbon monoxide detectors.
5. Get Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspected
After a carbon monoxide emergency in your building, you must contact an expert to inspect your CO detector.
Carbon monoxide may leak from various ventilation, heating, or cooking appliances, including gas ranges, boilers, central heating systems, generators, cigarette smoke, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, furnace systems, and chimneys.
When there’s a CO leak, it is generally due to the damaged appliance, installed incorrectly, or misused. Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common during the winter season because people keep all their windows closed and use heating appliances.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious concern. Make sure to keep those tips in mind when you hear your detector beeps for your protection.
Consider Replacing Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon Monoxide detectors should be replaced every 5 to 7 years. A faulty carbon monoxide detector is worse than no detector at all. If your CO detector is falsely beeping, it might signal an issue with the sensors.
If you’re ready for an upgrade, we suggest checking out our reviews of the best carbon monoxide detectors.
What is the best Carbon Monoxide Detector for August 2021?
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