Why does my Carbon Monoxide detector keep going off?

Stephen T

We have a brand new First Alert smoke/carbon monoxide detector. One day it was going off when I came home for lunch. I called the fire dept. and they came and did a test and said my levels were normal for the basement. A few weeks ago it started going off again so I opened a window. We felt no symptoms. This morning it went off yet again.

Is my device faulty? What could be the problems. Every time it has gone off I have replaced the batteries just in case the signal meant low battery.

Answer
I would try a different unit (or even different brand) and see if the results are the same. You might even try getting separate smoke/CO detectors and try different locations. And if it goes off again, I would have the fire department come and check more than the basement (and they should use two detectors to make sure THEIR readings are accurate). There's a whole myriad of factors involved here; I wouldn't rest until I was sure I wasn't in any danger. People die from CO poisoning every day. I've found a couple of websites that might help:

Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Jensyn

Does a monoxide detector keep ringing if it senses the carbon monoxide? Ours just went off once, but then stopped and taken out. It hasn't rung since. If there was anything would it have gone off again? Thanks I'm scared.

Answer
maybe the battery is low. were you cooking or anything?

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Anyone know anything bout Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Alicia

About 6 am this morning our carbon monoxide detector started beeping, my husband called me at work, (cuz he couldn't find the phone number), for the number to our apartment rental office, he called and it gave him an emergency number, he called and left a message. The emergency maintenance person called him back, and said to open all the doors and windows, and they would be down soon. this was at 6 am. I got off work at 11 am he came and got me, we took a co-worker home, and went home ourselves, it was still beeping. I had been home about 15 minutes when the maintenance man came and went to the furnace (which is locked with a deadbolt so we can't get into it) and ( i assume) took the old carbon monoxide detector out, and put a new one in, and locked the door back. I guess my question really is, if the battery was low, should it still have been beeping for 5 blessed hours? And does a carbon monoxide detector work the same as a smoke detector, when you open the doors and windows, should it stop beeping?

Answer
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors will beep if the battery gets weak.
After the a new battery is installed the beeping should stop.

Carbon monoxide build up can be caused by lack of or poor circulation in a room.

Carbon monoxide detector wierd noise?

Fox

It isn't going off. No loud beeping. It sounds like It is vibrating. It's not literally vibrating. Just that kind of noise. Is it running low on battery? I don't have any gas appliances running and all my windows are open. Can anybody help with this?

Answer
Either the battery is bad or if the detector is over 5 yrs old it either needs to be replaced or in some the sensor only can be replaced. Try the battery and if that doesn't work and there is no replaceable parts replace the whole detector.

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How do u knw its an emergency when your carbon monoxide detector goes off?

Vikcy

If my carbon monoxide dectector goes off how would I know if theres really something wrong or if the batteries just need to be changed?

Answer
The detector only detects gas The battery alarm is similar to a smoke detector low battery, alarm which is an intermediate chirp, when the it detects gas it goes off very loud, and continuous.

Carbon monoxide is odorless, Humans can't smell it and if you feel head rushy or light headed very good indicator of being poisoned. If you don't get out at that sign the next is passing out after your out
in the continued presence of the gas death will follow. You just won't wake back up.

So if it goes off You immediately open doors and windows and get out call 911 and state you have a carbon monoxide leak.

If you have gas appliances the risk is a lot higher for poisoning

hope it helps
Lr

can fire alarms/carbon monoxide detectors go off by human presence?

Colby

so at least once a week in the middle of the night when i walk below this stupid fire alarm it goes off, it says testing and goes through the whole alarm spoken fire fire, then goes to the last carbon monoxide level and does its alarm.

it is sooooo weird, scares the H*** out of me every time, i replace the battery then it does it again a week later. But it only seems to do it when i walk underneith it at night, im now gong to start going in my room through my window, ps. we had the fire department come to our house at one point because of carbon monoxide and they said that it was one of the best alarms out their, it matched their detectors to decimal point. also it does have a different warning when the battery is low, it will actually tells us that the battery is low/

Answer
A couple things come to mind. A dirty detector especially if it uses and optical sensor I had one that looked clean but there was apparently a spider that made a home in it at one time and the web kept blowing into the sensor. The alarms only last about 5 years so maybe it's hitting it's senior years.
Unless you wear some kind of cologne it doesn't like I am tapped out on ideas. LOL

Depending on they type of alarm if you have to replace it keep in mind that it has to be disposed of specially as most have some amount of radioactive material in them.

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Carbon Monoxide Detector question?

carbon monoxide detector going off low battery image

rhiannonb5

My boyfriend just called me from his hunting cabin; their carbon monoxide detector just went off and he wanted me to search the internet for him to see what they should do. I guess they run everything off propane and have the detector 'just in case.' They took the battery out and put it back in and it's not going off anymore. He said he 'thinks' they just changed the battery. I looked up some symptoms for him and he said no one has been feeling sick. Has anyone had this problem? Should I tell him to evacuate?

Answer
It's possible that a low/bad battery connection caused the detector to go off. It's also possible that there's a leak somewhere causing fumes to get into the cabin. To be on the safe side, they should open as many windows as they can to get good ventilation. If there's a fire dept nearby, they should call 911 and get the fire dept there. That's what I did. They do consider this an emergency.

Smoke detector going off with no sign of fire?

kdaddy_95

I'm hoping someone can help me, and it's not an emergency. I've got a smoke detector in my basement that is going off. It's near a dryer and near my oil furnace, but there is no visible fire. I know that a shower can make a smoke detector go off. Is there something that I'm overlooking that would cause this to happen?

Answer
First off, if it is indeed a "smoke detector" than rule out Carbon Monoxide, because that's a completely different detector. However, CO detectors CAN look just like a smoke detector, so make sure it isn't a CO detector or you may have anohter problem all together!

If it is a smoke detector, try using the attachments on your vaccum cleaner to suck any dust out of it that may have built up over time. A can of compressed air can also be used to "blow" the dust out. Detectors will often "false alarm" if there is dust built up inside the sensing chamber.

Low batteries do not generally cause a false alarm, but if you haven't replaced the battery in awhile, it's certainly not a bad idea.

Nothing lasts forever. If the detector is older than 10 or 15 years, you may want to consider replacing it with a new one. The battery powered ones are typically about $10, while the hardwired ones will run you about $30.

Good luck.

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Is a propane heater safe for indoor use?

carbon monoxide detector going off low battery image

John Jones

I need to heat a small shop during the winter. The propane heater would only be running when I'm in the shop, and no other time. I need to know if it is really safe to run a propane heater in this kind of environment. Would carbon monoxide build up be a problem? I'm sure I could install a battery operated carbon monoxide detector if I needed to.

Answer
You need to consult the CERTIFIED operating instructions of any heater you attempt to use for this area to ensure it is suitable for that application. If it is not certified for indoor use and it causes a fire or hurts anyone ( CO poisoning included ), the manufacturer will take no responsibility and insurance companies will deny any claims because the heater was used "In a manner other than what it was intended".

You should be installing something like an Empire DV35 "direct-vent" wall furnace in there. Direct vent means it takes air from outside, burns it with the fuel, and then puts the products of combustion back outside. There is no communication of the flame with the air you are breathing in the room. It's certainly not the cheapest option, but it is the safest!

EDIT: Basically any fuel burning appliance requires air. Combustion air and ventilation air. you need enough air for combustion and you need ventilation air to get the products of combustion out of the area so you do not reburn them. The general rule of thumb in the industry is 1 in² per 1000 btu's. If you have a 50,000 btu heater you need an opening of 50 in² to provide proper airflow. That does not mean opening a window or door. These could easily be closed, cutting off the air supply. Again, you need to carefully read the operating instructions.

If you put a monoxide detector in the shop with a portable heater, it will be alarming constantly. Detectors are very sensitive and portable heaters are not precision burners.

RENPEN: If you look at the CERTIFIED operating instructions for a kitchen range you will see that those appliances are APPROVED for indoor use. This is because ranges have a more precise gas valve. It controls the fuel pressure to a closer tolerance and gives a consistently even flame. Not like portable heaters or grills that have $5 regulators that could be +/- the proper pressure. The other reason is that a range is only used for relatively short periods of time and is a low btu appliance.

Why do my fire alarms keep going off?

Miss Myste

They keep going off like there is a fire. I don't know if they are the kind that has a carbon monoxide detector also. What should I do?

Answer
I had the same problem I gave up and took the batteries out then I bought some low cost ones at lowes.

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My carbon monoxide detector is going off every couple minutes?

carbon monoxide detector going off low battery image

Bri<3

My carbon monoxide detector is going off like every 2 minutes, and i have dectors all over my house but its just going off in my room one beep every 2 minutes. is this dangerous? i turned off the heat.
what should i do?
please help. and i have pets. what should we all do?!

Answer
It's possible that it is going off to signal you that the battery is low. Try changing the battery and see if it goes off. Try to remember to change the batteries in all your detectors when you change your clocks twice a year. :-)

Is a propane heater safe for indoor use?

John Jones

I need to heat a small shop during the winter. The propane heater would only be running when I'm in the shop, and no other time. I need to know if it is really safe to run a propane heater in this kind of environment. Would carbon monoxide build up be a problem? I'm sure I could install a battery operated carbon monoxide detector if I needed to.

Answer
You need to consult the CERTIFIED operating instructions of any heater you attempt to use for this area to ensure it is suitable for that application. If it is not certified for indoor use and it causes a fire or hurts anyone ( CO poisoning included ), the manufacturer will take no responsibility and insurance companies will deny any claims because the heater was used "In a manner other than what it was intended".

You should be installing something like an Empire DV35 "direct-vent" wall furnace in there. Direct vent means it takes air from outside, burns it with the fuel, and then puts the products of combustion back outside. There is no communication of the flame with the air you are breathing in the room. It's certainly not the cheapest option, but it is the safest!

EDIT: Basically any fuel burning appliance requires air. Combustion air and ventilation air. you need enough air for combustion and you need ventilation air to get the products of combustion out of the area so you do not reburn them. The general rule of thumb in the industry is 1 in² per 1000 btu's. If you have a 50,000 btu heater you need an opening of 50 in² to provide proper airflow. That does not mean opening a window or door. These could easily be closed, cutting off the air supply. Again, you need to carefully read the operating instructions.

If you put a monoxide detector in the shop with a portable heater, it will be alarming constantly. Detectors are very sensitive and portable heaters are not precision burners.

RENPEN: If you look at the CERTIFIED operating instructions for a kitchen range you will see that those appliances are APPROVED for indoor use. This is because ranges have a more precise gas valve. It controls the fuel pressure to a closer tolerance and gives a consistently even flame. Not like portable heaters or grills that have $5 regulators that could be +/- the proper pressure. The other reason is that a range is only used for relatively short periods of time and is a low btu appliance.

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Smoke detector going off with no sign of fire?

carbon monoxide detector going off low battery image

kdaddy_95

I'm hoping someone can help me, and it's not an emergency. I've got a smoke detector in my basement that is going off. It's near a dryer and near my oil furnace, but there is no visible fire. I know that a shower can make a smoke detector go off. Is there something that I'm overlooking that would cause this to happen?

Answer
First off, if it is indeed a "smoke detector" than rule out Carbon Monoxide, because that's a completely different detector. However, CO detectors CAN look just like a smoke detector, so make sure it isn't a CO detector or you may have anohter problem all together!

If it is a smoke detector, try using the attachments on your vaccum cleaner to suck any dust out of it that may have built up over time. A can of compressed air can also be used to "blow" the dust out. Detectors will often "false alarm" if there is dust built up inside the sensing chamber.

Low batteries do not generally cause a false alarm, but if you haven't replaced the battery in awhile, it's certainly not a bad idea.

Nothing lasts forever. If the detector is older than 10 or 15 years, you may want to consider replacing it with a new one. The battery powered ones are typically about $10, while the hardwired ones will run you about $30.

Good luck.

Carbon Monixide Detector question?

Jon

Our carbon monoxide dectector(nighthawk) randomly went off during the middle of the night. We unplugged it, then plugged it in again. It went to 0, meaning there's no gas. So was the beeping because it had low battery, or why'd it go off? We even brought a second detector downstairs and it said 0 to.
It's a plug in, so apparently the "test" button might have had some role in this.
It says 0 now.

So is it guarenteed to be safe?
our electricity was not turned off.

Answer
Most Carbon Monoxide detectors have a test button, maybe something triggered the test feature on it.
Get the detectors that plug into the wall, then you don't have to ever worrying about the battery running out.

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Carbon Monoxide Detector question?

carbon monoxide detector going off low battery image

rhiannonb5

My boyfriend just called me from his hunting cabin; their carbon monoxide detector just went off and he wanted me to search the internet for him to see what they should do. I guess they run everything off propane and have the detector 'just in case.' They took the battery out and put it back in and it's not going off anymore. He said he 'thinks' they just changed the battery. I looked up some symptoms for him and he said no one has been feeling sick. Has anyone had this problem? Should I tell him to evacuate?

Answer
It's possible that a low/bad battery connection caused the detector to go off. It's also possible that there's a leak somewhere causing fumes to get into the cabin. To be on the safe side, they should open as many windows as they can to get good ventilation. If there's a fire dept nearby, they should call 911 and get the fire dept there. That's what I did. They do consider this an emergency.

Smoke detector going off with no sign of fire?

kdaddy_95

I'm hoping someone can help me, and it's not an emergency. I've got a smoke detector in my basement that is going off. It's near a dryer and near my oil furnace, but there is no visible fire. I know that a shower can make a smoke detector go off. Is there something that I'm overlooking that would cause this to happen?

Answer
First off, if it is indeed a "smoke detector" than rule out Carbon Monoxide, because that's a completely different detector. However, CO detectors CAN look just like a smoke detector, so make sure it isn't a CO detector or you may have anohter problem all together!

If it is a smoke detector, try using the attachments on your vaccum cleaner to suck any dust out of it that may have built up over time. A can of compressed air can also be used to "blow" the dust out. Detectors will often "false alarm" if there is dust built up inside the sensing chamber.

Low batteries do not generally cause a false alarm, but if you haven't replaced the battery in awhile, it's certainly not a bad idea.

Nothing lasts forever. If the detector is older than 10 or 15 years, you may want to consider replacing it with a new one. The battery powered ones are typically about $10, while the hardwired ones will run you about $30.

Good luck.

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Why do my fire alarms keep going off?

carbon monoxide detector going off low battery image

Miss Myste

They keep going off like there is a fire. I don't know if they are the kind that has a carbon monoxide detector also. What should I do?

Answer
I had the same problem I gave up and took the batteries out then I bought some low cost ones at lowes.

Carbon Monoxide Detector question?

rhiannonb5

My boyfriend just called me from his hunting cabin; their carbon monoxide detector just went off and he wanted me to search the internet for him to see what they should do. I guess they run everything off propane and have the detector 'just in case.' They took the battery out and put it back in and it's not going off anymore. He said he 'thinks' they just changed the battery. I looked up some symptoms for him and he said no one has been feeling sick. Has anyone had this problem? Should I tell him to evacuate?

Answer
It's possible that a low/bad battery connection caused the detector to go off. It's also possible that there's a leak somewhere causing fumes to get into the cabin. To be on the safe side, they should open as many windows as they can to get good ventilation. If there's a fire dept nearby, they should call 911 and get the fire dept there. That's what I did. They do consider this an emergency.

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