Carbon monoxide detector beeps 2 times then stopped

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

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in October 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

Installing a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in commercial and residential buildings is extremely important, as it indicates the presence of the odorless, colorless, tasteless, and potentially fatal gas. An effective detector will sound an alarm or siren alerting those inside and warning them to quickly leave the premises.

According to March 2021 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning.”

The CDC adds that of these instances, more than 430 will be fatal.

To ensure a properly functioning CO detector, homeowners and business owners must periodically inspect and test these devices. The first indication of a potential issue is a beep occurring anywhere between every 30 seconds to five minutes.

This could be one of two things.

A beeping CO detector could signify gas presence or a low battery. Regardless of the reason, further action should be taken.

Below we’ll discuss how carbon monoxide detectors can protect your loved ones and property, and why it’s important to conduct regular device inspections, testing, and maintenance.

According to March 2021 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning.”

CO Detector Chirping

As previously mentioned, carbon monoxide could be fatal. Because CO detectors protect people from this dangerous gas, incessant chirping should encourage occupants to immediately leave the residence or place of business. This signals carbon monoxide may be present, and fire emergency professionals should be contacted immediately.

When listening for beeps from CO detectors, there are differences between frequencies and pauses. While these signals could alert a potential issue, it’s recommended to conduct further inspection.

Note the following CO beeps and frequencies below: 

• Four beeps accompanied by a pause signal CO is present. Occupants should immediately seek fresh air and notify emergency personnel.
• One beep per minute means CO detector batteries are due for replacement.
• Five beeps per minute notes the detector has run its course and should be replaced. 

CO Poisoning Symptoms & Exposure

According to the New York State Department of Health: "If you suspect CO poisoning, have everyone leave the area to get fresh air immediately. Contact the fire department and the gas company or heating contractor.”

The agency also recommends scheduling regular inspections of home heating sources, such as furnaces, fireplaces, and chimneys.

Watch for the following symptoms if you think you may have been exposed to CO:

• Nausea 
• Chest Pain
• Dizziness  
• Shortness of Breath

The American Association of Poison Control Centers is also available for medical advice on this, and other potentially fatal incidences. 

Regularly Maintain & Inspect CO Detectors

Although some CO detectors have replaceable batteries, units with 10-year sealed lithium batteries will also beep due to an end-of-life warning. It’s important to keep track of a CO detector’s age and conduct regular testing, inspections, and maintenance.

If your CO detector has replaceable batteries, it’s recommended to change these every six months or during daylight saving times. As aforementioned, CO detectors eventually run their course—most have a shelf life of five to seven years.

Alarm.com Mobile Alerts

When working with General Security for fire and life safety technologies, you’ll have access to the Alarm.com mobile app. This detects carbon monoxide leaks alerting local authorities through 24/7 Central Station Monitoring. It also facilitates real-time alerts indicating your detectors’ low or missing batteries. While it’s still required to test and inspect devices regularly, having additional peace of mind is paramount in preventing injuries and possible fatalities.

Ensuring Health & Safety

If you’re upgrading current fire, life, and safety measures, or want to add a new system, consider working with a reputable provider, such as General Security for help with installation, monitoring, and inspections.

If you’re upgrading current fire, life, and safety measures, or want to add a new system, consider working with a reputable provider, such as General Security for help with installation, monitoring, and inspections.

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