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

Author: Meredith McKenzie III  |  Last update: Sunday, April 27, 2025

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. Contact 911 or your local fire department to report the incident.

Why would the carbon monoxide alarm go off and then stop?

This could be due to a faulty device, old batteries, or just dust buildup in the unit itself. It's better to be safe than sorry. If your alarm sounds, it's important to call emergency responders. They can tell you if you're experiencing a false alarm.

Can a carbon monoxide alarm go off falsely?

While CO detectors are designed to be reliable, various factors can cause them to beep erroneously. False alarms can be caused by incorrect installation, placement near a source of fumes or steam, or even a buildup of dust and dirt on the sensor.

Should I call the fire department if the carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

Yes, if a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm goes off, you should take it seriously. Here are the steps you should follow: Evacuate Immediately: Get everyone out of the building and into fresh air. Call 911: Once you are safe, call emergency services to report the alarm. They can send professionals to assess the situation.

What if my carbon monoxide detector chirping then stopped?

This is NOT an indication to change the batteries, but instead, you must buy a new detector. For some detectors, this alarm sounds like 5 beeps/chirps every 1 minute, while others, it sounds like 2 beeps/chirps every 30 seconds. When your CO detector has reached its end of life, you must replace it immediately.

What to Do if Carbon Monoxide Alarm is Going Off

What if carbon monoxide alarm goes off but no fire?

Your carbon monoxide alarm is going off for one of the following reasons: It is doing its job properly and detects CO pollution in the air. It is a false alarm caused by other household items. The detector is malfunctioning or the batteries need changing.

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.

Is it safe if the carbon monoxide alarm 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. Contact 911 or your local fire department to report the incident.

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.

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.

Can anything else trigger a carbon monoxide detector?

Even with the doors and windows open, any of these activities can trigger carbon monoxide detectors. Using a grill inside the garage or near open doors and windows–Not only is barbecuing among the most common CO-producing activities, but it can also be a fire hazard when done too close to your home.

What to do if carbon monoxide alarm goes off and then stops in the UK?

If your CO alarm stopped beeping after being outside in the fresh air for 10 minutes, you may have a possible carbon monoxide leak in your home. We recommend calling your gas supplier or national emergency gas helpline on 0800 111 999 and await further instruction.

How to tell if carbon monoxide is in the air?

The best way to alert you and your family to unsafe levels of CO is to install a carbon monoxide detector. It works like a smoke alarm, sampling the air in your home and creating a loud alarm when levels of the gas are detected. It's important to evacuate your home immediately when your CO alarm sounds.

How to tell if a carbon monoxide alarm is false?

4 beeps and a pause: This means that there is carbon monoxide in the air and you should seek fresh air immediately and call 911. 1 beep every minute: This means that the alarm has low batteries and you should replace them. 3 beeps every minute: This means the alarm has encountered a malfunction and needs replacement.

How to clear carbon monoxide from a house?

If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air and turn off all potential sources of CO. That includes your oil or gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range and oven, gas dryer, gas or kerosene space heater, and any vehicle or small engine.

How many times will a carbon monoxide detector go off?

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.

Should I call 911 if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

My carbon monoxide alarm is sounding. What should I do? Call 911 and report what is happening. Immediately leave your residence and wait for the fire department to arrive.

How much does it cost to get your house checked for carbon monoxide?

Professional carbon monoxide testing can cost from $100 to $200+. But, most homeowners usually have carbon monoxide detectors which can range from $20 to $150+, according to Home Advisor, depending on the detector type.

Who to call if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

CO detectors are very sensitive and designed to alert occupants before CO reaches dangerous levels. If your detectors go off, call 911 and evacuate the home. Be sure to notify them if anyone in the house is experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Why is my carbon monoxide detector beeping continuously then stops?

Usually, the annoying beeping caused by a carbon monoxide detector is to alert you about a malfunctioning battery. If the old battery requires changing or it's slipped out of place, the unit will chirp. Try reinstalling the battery or replacing it, and then reset your device.

How to tell if it's a fire alarm or carbon monoxide?

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

Can carbon monoxide alarms go off for no reason?

Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can false alarm for several reasons. 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.

How to test a carbon monoxide alarm?

How to test your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly? To test your carbon monoxide detectors, press and hold the test button on the alarm. The detector will sound 4 beeps, a pause, then 4 beeps for 5-6 seconds. Refer to the user manual for your specific model.

Can you recover from carbon monoxide poisoning on your own?

You shouldn't try to treat carbon monoxide poisoning on your own at home. If you think you had carbon monoxide exposure or poisoning, contact emergency services immediately.

Who can test my home for carbon monoxide?

Some municipal fire departments and utility companies will come to your home and check for carbon monoxide for free or at reduced rates. The main tool used in these tests is an electronic portable toxic multi-gas monitor.

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