How often should I replace my carbon monoxide alarm?

Author: Prof. Vance Miller  |  Last update: Thursday, August 14, 2025

How often should I replace my smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors? Smoke detectors typically are suitable for ten years. Carbon monoxide detectors are generally good for seven years. When you change your batteries in these units, check the date and replace them before they go bad.

How do you know if your carbon monoxide detector needs to be replaced?

1 beep every minute: This means that the detector has low batteries and you should replace them. 5 beeps every minute: This means your alarm has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced with a new carbon monoxide alarm.

How long should a carbon monoxide alarm last?

Carbon monoxide detectors last between five and seven years. The recommendation is to replace them every five years because their ability to detect carbon monoxide is questionable after that point.

How do I know if my carbon monoxide detector is expired?

CO alarm life span and end-of-life signal

CO alarms have a life expectancy of around 7 years. All CO alarms produced after August 1, 2009 have an end-of-life warning notification that alerts the resident that the alarm should be replaced. The CO alarm will beep every 30 seconds or display ERR or END.

How do I know if my carbon monoxide detector is dying?

Here's a simple guide: Smoke alarms alert you with three beeps in a row. Carbon monoxide alarms alert you with four beeps. A single chirp means the battery is low or the detector should be replaced.

How often do I need to replace the battery in my carbon monoxide detector?

What if the carbon monoxide alarm goes off but no fire?

False or nuisance alarms are when your smoke detector or CO alarm goes off, but there is no presence of smoke or carbon monoxide in your home. However, if your smoke or carbon monoxide detector sounds indicating an emergency and you are not certain it is a nuisance alarm, evacuate the home and call 9-1-1.

How can I be sure my carbon monoxide detector is working?

If you're wondering how you can check that your carbon monoxide detector works, the answer is simple: testing. You should test your CO detector monthly to ensure your family's safety. The test button is the best way to test it because it will tell if the alarm is still sounding.

How to tell if carbon monoxide is leaking?

What Are Signs of Carbon Monoxide in Your Home?
  1. Yellow or orange flames coming out of your gas appliances instead of the usual blue flame.
  2. Dark and sooty staining on or around gas appliances.
  3. Pilot lights that frequently blow out.
  4. Increased condensation on windows.
  5. Solid fuel fires burn much slower than usual.

What does 5 beeps mean on a first alert 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.

When should I buy a new carbon monoxide detector?

Smoke detectors typically are suitable for ten years. Carbon monoxide detectors are generally good for seven years. When you change your batteries in these units, check the date and replace them before they go bad.

What are two warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.

What is the lifespan of a carbon monoxide detector?

In accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Kidde recommends replacing smoke and heat alarms every ten years and replacing carbon monoxide and combination alarms every seven to ten years (depending on your model) to benefit from the latest technology upgrades.

Where is the best place to put a carbon monoxide detector?

The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage.

What can falsely set off a carbon monoxide detector?

Common causes of false alarms of carbon monoxide:
  • Close to cooking sources (10 feet minimum)
  • Close to sources of humidity (10-20 feet)
  • Near fireplaces.
  • Near water heaters.
  • Near furnaces.
  • Located in a poorly ventilated location like a garage, kitchen, or closet.

How much does it cost to replace a carbon monoxide detector?

The cost to install a carbon monoxide detector, including the work to hardwire it in, is around $600, depending on the difficulty. The price for replacing a CO detector is in the range of $300 per unit.

How often should I check my carbon monoxide detector?

Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it.

Does 3 beeps mean carbon monoxide?

When the carbon monoxide alarm senses a dangerous level of CO gas, the unit will emit a loud alarm pattern. The alarm pattern is four short beeps – followed by five seconds of silence – followed by four short beeps. * This could mean that: Your alarm may have detected carbon monoxide.

What to do if a carbon monoxide alarm goes off and then stops?

If you have a carbon monoxide detector chirping and then it stops, it's important to take the situation seriously, even if the alarm is no longer sounding. Even if the alarm has stopped, get everyone out of the home to a place with fresh air.

Should my first alert carbon monoxide detector be red?

First Alert CO600 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector

A: That is the power light. It is normally solid red and flashes when there is a problem.

Will opening a window help with carbon monoxide?

If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning: DO GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.

How do I use my iPhone to detect carbon monoxide?

Go to the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. , then tap Home Settings. Tap Safety & Security. Tap Sound Recognition, then turn on Smoke & CO Alarm.

What's the most common household thing to cause a carbon monoxide leak?

How can carbon monoxide build up in a home? The most common causes of carbon monoxide building up are incorrectly installed or poorly maintained or ventilated appliances – like stoves and hot water heaters. Poorly ventilated fireplaces and other gas- or wood-burning appliances can also pose danger.

Does the fire department charge to check for carbon monoxide?

In most areas, the fire department does not charge to respond to carbon monoxide alarms or to check for the presence of CO in a residence. However, policies can vary depending on the jurisdiction or specific fire department. It's always a good idea to contact your local fire department for specifics on their policies.

Should my carbon monoxide detector have a green light?

A flashing green light is a normal part of the power up cycle. Any time there is a power outage, brownout, surge or other problem with the power, the alarm goes through a power up cycle. The flashing on your plug-in carbon monoxide alarm should stop after 5 minutes, then the light will stay a steady green.

How can I check my carbon monoxide levels without a detector?

Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, a detector is the only reliable way to identify its presence. However, signs like soot buildup near appliances, pilot lights frequently going out, stale air, or excessive condensation on windows could indicate a potential issue.

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