First alert carbon monoxide alarm beeps 5 times

When you hear your carbon monoxide alarm beeping, the first thing you should do is pay attention to the exact nature of the sound. Different patterns of beeps or chirps mean different things, though all signal that you must take some action.

Inhaling high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can cause brain damage or death, yet the gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Installing a CO alarm is the best way to detect this "silent killer," and the noises it makes will tell you whether the alarm simply needs maintenance ... or you and your family face a life-threatening emergency.

Learn what the different sounds mean and then educate your whole household. You could save a life.

What a carbon monoxide alarm beeping means

I spoke with a representative of First Alert about how to interpret your carbon monoxide alarm beeping or chirping. Here's what he told me:

1. One beep, at 15-minute intervals = LOW BATTERY. The battery for your alarm is wearing out. You need to replace it.

2. Three beeps, at 15-minute intervals = MALFUNCTION. The unit is malfunctioning. Contact the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchased the alarm.

3. Five beeps, at 15-minute intervals = END OF LIFE. The alarm has reached the end of its useful life and you must install a new one.

4. A loud steady alarm (not beeps or chirps) = EMERGENCY. The unit has detected carbon monoxide gas in your home. Get everyone to fresh air and phone 911.

CAUTION: Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular make and model to verify the pattern of sounds you will hear.

What produces carbon monoxide in the home

Carbon monoxide in the home is usually a byproduct of fuel-burning appliances — furnace, boiler, stovetop or oven, space heater, gas dryer, water heater, generator, and gas or wood fireplace. Home fuels include:

• Natural gas

• Propane

• Oil

• Wood

• Wood pellets

• Coal

• Kerosene

• Gasoline

• Charcoal

Carbon monoxide collects when these appliances are vented incorrectly. Ensure that all combustion-powered appliances are installed by a knowledgeable person and adequately vented.

Schedule regular appliance and change furnace filters as directed.

Never light a grill or camping stove inside, never run a portable generator indoors, and never use your gas oven to heat the house.

Have your fireplace chimney and gas dryer vent professionally cleaned every year.

Ventilate an attached garage properly so carbon monoxide from car exhaust does not get into your home.

Installing a carbon monoxide alarm

Hire a qualified electrician to install your carbon monoxide detector(s). Whether the devices are battery-operated, plug-in, or hardwired (these last two should have battery backup in case of a power outage), certification is a must.

Consider installation of a combination CO/smoke alarm for extra protection.

Have detectors installed near every sleeping area in your home, as well as in the garage, if it's attached to your house. Mount them on a wall where the carbon monoxide alarm beeping will be heard loudly enough to wake up everyone nearby.

Check the alarm by pressing the "Test" button monthly. Replace batteries every 6 months and replace alarms every 5-7 years.

Emergency procedure if CO is detected

1. Turn off the fuel-burning appliance if you can do so safely and quickly.

2. Then get all occupants and pets out of the house. Leave doors and windows open if possible.

3. Call 911 once everyone is outside and accounted for. The first responders will treat victims and identify where the gas is coming from.

4. Contact your utility company for follow-up.

5. Go back into your home only when given the all-clear.

Teach your family to respond fast in a carbon monoxide emergency

First, teach yourself. Read the user manual carefully as soon as you install a carbon monoxide alarm. There are differences between brands.

Educate your children (and all household members) to understand the various patterns of carbon monoxide alarm beeping or chirping before you're faced with an emergency.

Form an escape plan and practice it regularly, like a fire drill.

Arrange a safe nearby meeting place in case you get separated while escaping.

Make special advance arrangements for individuals with disabilities.

Laura Firszt writes for https://www.networx.com.

• Tight feeling in forehead

• Headache

• Pounding heart

• Dizziness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Drowsiness

• Mental confusion

• Lack of consciousness, at a severe stage

Isn’t it scary enough to know that an invisible, odourless gas can kill you within seconds inside your office building or home? According to a survey, this silent killer kills around 170 people in the US every single year.

The risk factor increases, especially in winters when windows are closed 24/7. In that case, many people shifted towards carbon monoxide alarms that reduced the risk so far.

We can’t deny that Carbon monoxide alarms or detectors are definitely life savers that helps the users to move to fresh air immediately due to their beeping mechanisms.

A carbon monoxide detector, also known as a CO alarm, is a device that detects carbon monoxide gas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Now, the only thing you must consider is the mechanism of its beeping as it indicates the presence with the help of the beeping sound it creates. Let’s have a look at the first alert, carbon monoxide alarm 5 beeps.

A carbon monoxide detector beeps 1, 4, or 5 times a minute. Understanding the data fixed behind its beeping is necessary to save yourself from any mishap.

You’ll probably hear a short beep every minute if your detector’s battery is low. Most carbon dioxide detectors beep four or five times in a row every four seconds to warn of dangerous levels.

Your alarm clock has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced with a new carbon monoxide alarm if it beeps 5 times per minute.

It is critical to test your alarms regularly, but at least once a month is recommended. If your carbon monoxide detector has replaceable batteries, do so at least once every six months.

Carbon monoxide alarms do not last indefinitely, even if the batteries are changed. They have a 5- to 7-year lifespan, but it’s important to double-check the product’s lifespan.

All detectors should be replaced after 7 years, even if the battery is still good. This is because the detector’s sensor isn’t very good, and when it comes to CO detection, you want an alarm with a good sensor.

However, a battery-powered CO alarm can detect for decades in just ten years with today’s technology.

Carbon dioxide alarm in your home

It is mandatory to have a functioning carbon dioxide alarm in your home. To learn more about your country’s CO legislation. Carbon monoxide leaks are frightening because they are extremely dangerous.

On the other hand, your family will be alerted to an emergency as soon as carbon monoxide is detected if you have proper CO alarm coverage. Remember to test your alarms regularly and, if necessary, replace the batteries.

Carbon monoxide detectors that are no longer in use do not detect the presence of carbon monoxide. Before the warning period expires, replace your carbon monoxide alarms.

Replace your carbon monoxide alarm as soon as possible if you believe it is nearing the end of its useful life.

Conclusion

Now we hope the confusion in your mind regarding the beeping of a CO detector has faded away after reading this post. First alert carbon monoxide alarm 5 beeps every minute is worth considering and needs an immediate response.

This guide will definitely clear up your rising questions if you have a CO detector at your home or office.

But if you don’t have one, we would recommend you buy one to save yourself from any future risk or hazard that ends up taking a precious life. You can immediately call 911 if the situation gets worse or you cannot reach fresh air on the spot.

Related Guides

  • Best carbon monoxide detector consumer reports
  • Carbon monoxide detector beeping every 30 seconds
  • Smoke detector blinking red

What does 5 beeps mean on carbon monoxide detector?

It is time to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. 5 Beeps Every Minute: End of Life. This type of chirp indicates it is time to replace your carbon monoxide alarm.

What does it mean when first alert beeps 5 times?

My Onelink alarm is chirping 5 times after installation Five chirps indicate that the alarm is at its end of life (EOL).

What does it mean when a smoke detector beeps 5 times in a row?

If your detector is low on battery, you will likely hear a short chirp every minute. To warn of dangerous CO levels, most detectors will beep 4 or 5 times in a row about every 4 seconds.

How do I stop my carbon monoxide alarm from beeping in the end of life?

When the CO alarm emits a quick beep every 30 seconds and the red LED flashes, you may need to change the batteries. Replace the batteries in the alarm. If the alarm continues to emit a quick beep every 30 seconds and the red LED flashes, the alarm has reached the end-of-life.