Why Is My Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping?

Your carbon monoxide (CO) detector can literally be a lifesaver. It can also drive you crazy at times—especially when it’s making constant noise and you don’t know what that noise means!

To help you understand what carbon monoxide warning sounds are—and when they’re alerting you to a potential emergency, check out our helpful guide to carbon monoxide alerts.

4 Warning Sounds Carbon Monoxide Detectors Make & What They Mean

Whenever your carbon monoxide detector starts making loud sounds, here’s what you need to listen for and do in response.

Four-Beep Alarm

If you notice four quick, short beeps continuing in a pattern, it likely means your alarm has detected carbon monoxide in the air.

When you hear this alarm:

• Get everyone out of the house right away.
• Call the local fire department.
• See a doctor ASAP if anyone starts experiencing signs of CO exposure, like headaches, nausea, or vomiting.

Chirping

Your CO detector will consistently chirp when:

• It’s approaching the end of its life span.

• The battery is low, and it’s time to replace it.

• The alarm has malfunctioned and requires attention, like professional electrical service.

Random Chirping

If there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to the chirping sound coming from your carbon monoxide detector, that could mean:

• The batteries are loose or were not installed properly.
• The detector may be dirty or sensing high levels of steam, humidity, or condensation.

Continuous Squeal

This is potentially the most annoying sound carbon monoxide detectors make. It often means the alarm has a tamper-resistant warning and:

• It has been unplugged or disconnected from its wiring.
• It has malfunctioned.

Need more answers about what’s going on with your carbon monoxide detector? Time to replace your carbon monoxide detectors or schedule any other electrical service at your Webster or Rochester, NY home?

Just call Lon Lockwood Electric at 585-766-4702 or contact us online now!