Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up in enclosed spaces like a home or office. Long-term exposure can lead to permanent brain damage or even death. When functioning properly, carbon monoxide detectors alert you to the presence of the poisonous gas in time to take life-saving action. But what if your carbon monoxide detector is beeping for no apparent reason?
What should I do if my carbon monoxide detector beeps?
While you should take any alarm seriously, carbon monoxide detectors often beep or chirp in non-emergency situations. Here are the most common reasons a carbon monoxide detector beeps and what to do if it happens.
When a carbon monoxide alarm beeps or chirps at regular intervals, it is usually due to a problem with the battery or an internal malfunction.
Carbon monoxide is most commonly produced in the home by fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, gas dryers, and fireplaces. Under normal conditions, these appliances release very little carbon monoxide, but that can change if they are not working properly.
