What Do the Beeps From Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Indicate?

Carbon monoxide alarms are a life saver...literally! Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is created from fuel burning appliances, such as your furnace or generators. Having the proper amount of CO alarms helps you achieve peace of mind for the safety and protection of your family. However, it is important to be educated to know how your alarm communicates with you. There are several reasons as to why your carbon monoxide alarm could be chirping. Learn what each type of chirp from your detector indicates.

Different Types of Beeps and Chirps from Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

• 4 Beeps and a Pause: EMERGENCY. This means that carbon monoxide has been detected in the area, you should move to fresh air and call 9-1-1.
• 1 Beep Every Minute: Low Battery. It is time to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm.
• 5 Beeps Every Minute: End of Life. This chirp means it is time to replace your carbon monoxide alarm.

What Does a Low Battery Chirp Mean?

Depending on the kind of CO and gas alarm you have, the battery life differs. It is important to make sure they are working, and the battery is still good. There are plug in alarms with a battery back-up that could possibly last the lifetime of the alarm. These detectors provide you with peace of mind in the case of a power outage. First Alert also offers alarms with a 10-year sealed battery that will last the life of the alarm.

What Does an End-of-Life Beep Mean?

Most carbon monoxide alarms last between 5 and 7 years. Even if the battery is still good, all carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced after 7 years. This is because the sensor in the alarm will not work as well, and when it comes to detecting CO, you want an alarm with a high functioning sensor. However, with today’s technology, the 10-year battery powered CO alarm can provide a decade of detection.

What Does an Emergency Alarm Chirp Mean? 

This meaning is probably the most self-explanatory. When your carbon monoxide detector chirps 4 times in a row and pauses, this means it has detected unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. This means your entire household should evacuate immediately and seek fresh air. Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, chest pain, and confusion. It is important that after evacuating your house, to call 9-1-1 and don’t let anyone else in the home until the fire department gets there to resolve the situation.

Carbon monoxide leaks can be very scary because they are dangerous. However, with proper CO and gas alarm coverage, your family will be alerted when carbon monoxide is detected. Remember to regularly test your alarms and replace the batteries when specified.