How to get carbon monoxide detector to stop beeping

How to Reset a Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Test It 

Carbon monoxide detectors are sensitive devices designed to trigger an alarm if there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, or CO, in your home. Since CO gas can be deadly to humans and pets, it’s important to test and reset each of your detectors as frequently as the manufacturer recommends.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your household safe.

Testing vs. Resetting a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Our customers often ask, is testing and resetting carbon monoxide detectors the same thing?

Not quite. While the action you take may be nearly identical for each task (e.g., push a button), the functions are different. Testing confirms the power supply is working. Resetting gives the sensors time to re-establish levels of fresh air and ensure it is not contaminated.

Before we get to instructions for both tasks, please note:

• Sometimes the same button can initiate either a test or a reset, depending on how you press it. Check the instructions for your unit; that information will supplement the instructions below.
• Many units automatically reset after you change the batteries or after the alarm sounds. If yours has the automated reset function, the instruction manual will note that.

How Frequently Should You Perform CO Detector Maintenance Tasks?

Depending on your model of carbon monoxide detector, you may need to manually test and reset your device every month. Additionally, most manufacturers recommend replacing batteries in battery-powered units every six months. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended frequency of testing, battery replacement, and when you may need to replace the CO detector entirely.

Remember: The only time you should remove the batteries is when you’re replacing them. If the red or green light on your CO detector is illuminated, that’s a sign that the unit has power. If the light is off, replace the batteries and follow the reset steps.

When to Reset a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

You only need to reset your units when:

• The alarm goes off
• You just tested the device
• You just replaced the batteries

Some models automatically reset themselves after any of those events, while others are manual only. Automated models usually reset themselves within 10 minutes of the alarm sound or battery change.

Reset Your CO Detector in Three Steps

Here’s how to reset your carbon monoxide detector:

1. Find the Reset button. It’s on the front panel, though the exact location and size of the button vary by brand and model.
2. Press and hold the Reset button for 5 to 10 seconds.
3. Release the Reset button, and listen for a beep. Some models may also flash a light.

If you don’t hear a beep, try the reset again. If there’s still no beep, replace the batteries. If problems persist, troubleshoot with help from the manufacturer, or replace your carbon monoxide detector.

Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detector in Three Steps 

As noted above, testing the device goes hand in hand with resetting the unit. Testing and immediately resetting your device every month is an important habit to develop, and it only takes a minute.

Here’s how to test a carbon monoxide detector:

1. Locate the Test button on the front panel.
2. Press the Test button until the alarm sounds. This should take 5 to 20 seconds.
3. Listen for two quicks beeps, a flash, or both.

If your device continues to beep after a test, press the Test button for 5 seconds at a time to silence the unit while it finishes the process. Be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors at least 10 feet from potential sources of CO, such as your furnace.

The Center for Disease Control offers a wealth of information on preventing CO poisoning and providing more resources.

Do More to Keep Your Home Safe with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Regular heating and air conditioning maintenance can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and other indoor air quality issues. You can count on One Hour for fast, friendly, and professional HVAC services that keep your home comfortable. To get started, call (800) 893-3523 or request an appointment with a One Hour technician.

What do you do if your carbon monoxide detector goes off? My carbon monoxide alarm is beeping about every minute or so. Does a carbon monoxide detector beeping every 30 to 60 seconds mean a new battery is needed or the battery is low? Or could this mean I have a carbon monoxide leak in my house? Could it just be simply a low battery that makes the beeping noise? Please explain the action I should take at this moment.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM – LOW BATTERY:

A beeping sound from your carbon monoxide detector every minute or 30 seconds is telling you that the battery is low and needs replaced. Press the reset button and replace the 9 volt battery or 2 AA batteries (depending on the brand of carbon monoxide detector you have such as a Kidde or First Alert brand) to stop the beeping. If the carbon monoxide detector is sounding the alarm or beeps more than once per minute, see below…

ACTUAL CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK:

A continuous beeping sound means there is an actual carbon monoxide leak in your home. It is detecting carbon monoxide and you should get out of the area where the beeping is occurring. Open windows in your house and leave the house. Find out where the carbon monoxide is coming from and fix the issue, or call the fire department. In most communities the fire department will come and measure the CO levels. They will find what is causing the carbon monoxide alarm to keep beeping. They will also tell you what is causing the carbon monoxide leak and assist you in correcting the issue. Be safe and when in doubt, call 911!

Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm Beeping or Chirping – Kidde
There are many types of alarms a CO Detector provides.
One to warn of high levels of CO.
One to warn of low batteries or “end of life” of the detector.

What to do when your carbon monoxide alarm beeps when CO is detected?
-Press the TEST/RESET button on the alarm.
-Call your local fire department.
-Move to fresh air outside.
-Do not enter the area until emergency services come, the building has been aired out, and the alarm has returned to its normal condition.

NOTE: If the carbon monoxide alarm reactivates in a 24 hour period, call a qualified appliance technician to check the structure to find the source of carbon monoxide. Verify that the alarm system is functioning properly. Any problems should be immediately corrected. Verify that cars are not running in an attached garage or adjacent to the home as this will cause high CO levels.

NOTE: Most carbon monoxide detectors require a certain brand or type of battery. Check the detector manufacturer requirement for the correct brand of battery. The wrong battery type may cause the carbon monoxide detector to beep in some cases.

NOTE: A carbon monoxide detector may need to be cleaned. At times, the carbon monoxide detector cover can get coated with grease, dirt and dust that needs to be washed off. The dirt and dust on the carbon monoxide detector may trigger it to beep. Keeping it clean will prevent this from happening. The dirt can restrict airflow and make the carbon monoxide detector think there is high CO levels and therefore setting it off to keep beeping.

Have questions about your carbon monoxide detector? Please leave us a message below and we can help!