Buzz
Discover the different beep patterns of your Kidde CO detector
Hearing your carbon monoxide detector beep can be unsettling, especially when you're unsure of what the sound means. If your Kidde CO detector is beeping, keep reading to understand what each beep signifies, how to stop the noise, and what actions to take if there's carbon monoxide present in your home.
If you hear four beeps followed by a pause, evacuate immediately and contact 911. If you're unsure why your CO detector is beeping, it's always best to err on the side of caution and evacuate, even if it's a false alarm.
Kidde CO Detector: What the Beeps Indicate
If you hear a sequence of four beeps followed by a five-second pause, it means your detector has detected carbon monoxide. In this case, leave the building immediately and call the local fire department. A steady chirp, on the other hand, could indicate a low battery, the detector reaching the end of its lifespan, or a malfunction.
What to Do Next
Different Types of Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeps
Four beeps followed by a five-second pause This pattern signals the presence of carbon monoxide and requires immediate action. Evacuate all individuals and pets from the building right away, then call 911 if anyone is showing signs of CO poisoning, or contact your local fire department if there are no symptoms of poisoning.
- Learn more about what to do in a carbon monoxide emergency here.
- In rare cases, this could be a non-emergency alarm. If you're certain it's not a CO emergency, you can silence the beeping using the Hush feature. More details below.
One beep or chirp per minute A periodic beep every minute indicates that the battery in your CO alarm is low. Even wall-mounted detectors rely on batteries to function during power outages.
Two or more chirps within 30 seconds Repeated chirping signals that your carbon monoxide detector is nearing the end of its lifespan. Kidde states that after seven years of use, their detectors will emit a chirp every 30 seconds. If you hear this sound, it’s time to replace your CO detector.
- If you own your home, replace the CO detector immediately. If you're renting, notify your landlord that the detector is malfunctioning and needs replacement as soon as possible.
Intermittent chirps or beeps Could be due to a loose battery or environmental factors causing false alarms. Start by ensuring the batteries are new and properly seated. If the batteries are fine, consider these possibilities:
- High humidity or condensation near the CO detector.
- Proximity to an air conditioner, heater, fan, or a drafty window.
- The room temperature is consistently below 40°F (4°C) or above 100°F (38°C).
- If any of these apply, try relocating your CO detector to a better position. The user manual should provide guidance on optimal placement.
Continuous beeping or squealing This indicates that the unit may have become disconnected or is experiencing a malfunction. Unmount the detector and check to make sure it's securely plugged in. Also, inspect the batteries to ensure they haven't started to corrode, as this can trigger this type of beep rather than the typical low battery warning. If you're unable to identify the cause of the beeping, reach out to the manufacturer of the alarm (and your landlord if you're renting).
What to Do in the Event of a Carbon Monoxide Emergency
Respond immediately. If your CO detector is sounding an alarm that you don't recognize, always treat it as an emergency. Never ignore the warning from a CO detector.
Evacuate the premises. Quickly remove everyone, including pets, from the house and go outdoors to safety.
Call 911 if anyone shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. If someone in your household is exhibiting symptoms of CO poisoning, even if they seem mild, immediately inform the 911 dispatcher.
- Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurry vision, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, and/or loss of consciousness.
Contact your local fire department if there are no signs of poisoning. If you dial 911, the dispatcher will likely send both the fire department and an ambulance to your location, so there's no need to call the fire department separately. However, if no one in your home is showing CO poisoning symptoms, you can skip 911 and reach out to the fire department’s non-emergency line.
- When you speak to the fire department, explain the situation in detail, especially if you know why your CO detector is beeping or malfunctioning.
Stay outside until the fire department gives the all-clear. The fire department has the equipment to identify the source of the CO leak. Work with them to determine the next steps and when it’s safe to return home.
- If you're renting, it’s a good idea to call your landlord after everyone is safe to inform them of the situation. If you live in a multi-unit building, the problem could affect more than just your apartment or condo.
How to Silence a Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector
Ensure the alarm is false. Before resetting your CO detector, make sure there’s no actual emergency. If the alarm isn’t signaling four beeps followed by a pause or if the display confirms a non-emergency issue, you can proceed with the reset.
- If you’re unsure why the CO alarm is sounding, it’s safest to evacuate and call for assistance, even if it’s a false alarm.
- Attempt to resolve the root cause of the beeping before resetting. Follow this step above to figure out what’s causing the alarm (e.g. a dead battery, a malfunctioning unit, etc.). If you can’t pinpoint the cause or it’s not an emergency, you can proceed with resetting the device.
Press the Hush button. This will silence the alarm for 10 minutes, unless heavy smoke or debris is interfering with the sensor's ability to detect properly.
Hold down the Hush button as long as the false alarm continues. To stop the hush mode early, simply press the Hush button again before the time is up.
How to Prevent False Alarms
Inspect your detector for dust and debris. A build-up of dust or dirt can affect the sensors, causing the unit to malfunction and potentially trigger false alarms. Use a duster or microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust, and gently blow compressed air into any hard-to-reach areas or sensor openings.
- Avoid using water, cleaners, or solvents, as these could damage your carbon monoxide detector.
Verify the placement of your CO alarm. If your detector is located near airflow sources like an air conditioner, heater, fan, or open window, or is in a humid area or close to a fireplace or gas stove, these environmental factors could be causing false alarms.
- If this is the case, relocate your CO detector to a spot at least 15 feet away from these elements, if possible.
Ensure the proper installation of the unit. Make sure the detector is securely plugged in and correctly mounted on the wall. Also, double-check that the batteries are placed in the correct orientation and the battery cover is securely in place.
Regularly test your CO alarm. To ensure your carbon monoxide detector is functioning properly, perform an annual test using canned carbon monoxide test gas, as described in this guide. Additionally, make sure to test the unit's wiring each month by pressing the Test button on the detector.
