What To Do If Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that is created when organic compounds and fuels burn without enough oxygen being present, including gasoline (gas), diesel, wood, oil, coal, propane, natural gas, and similar.

The problem with carbon monoxide is that it is very dangerous for humans and animals, and the only real protection is Carbon Monoxide alarms that continuously monitor the presence of CO in the air, which is great. But what should we do if/when carbon monoxide goes off?

Updated: June 5, 2024.

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a very dangerous gas that can cause even death rather quickly.

The effects of Carbon Monoxide (CO) exposure vary from person to person and depend on the length of Carbon Monoxide (CO) exposure and Carbon Monoxide (CO) concentration and include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, drowsiness, confusion, fast heart rate, and in the end - death.

The most common sources of Carbon Monoxide are fuel-burning appliances that are malfunctioning, that are not being properly installed, that are not being used as instructed, etc.

They may also include blocked chimneys, grills being used indoors, power generators being used indoors, vehicles (cars, ATVs, motorcycles, tractors, lawn mowers, small boat outboard engines, etc.) with internal combustion engines being used in closed or semi-closed garages, and similar.

For example, if You run "just for a minute" a 1 liter 4-stroke gas engine at 1800 RPM for whatever reason, during this one minute, this engine will consume:

V_(air) = V_(engine) * Time_(seconds) * RP_(seconds) * 0.5 = 1 liter * 60s * 30s^-1 * 0.5 = 900 liters of air

Note: in this example, we use a 4-stroke engine (the intake cycle is every second revolution of the engine), hence the "0.5" coefficient at the end of the formula. For a 2-stroke engine (one intake cycle for every revolution of the engine), this coefficient is "1," and in most situations, it is not even written.

So, if You intend to operate an internal combustion engine indoors - DON'T do it.

Also, if You intend to operate an internal combustion engine in an open garage, keep other doors closed and keep the engine running as short as possible - when parking the car in the garage, turn the engine OFF as soon as possible. When exiting the garage, turn the engine ON and exit the garage as soon as possible.

In order to protect yourself and your family from possible Carbon Monoxide poisoning, one can and should use Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms. When such units go Off, there are several things one should do:

• first of all, don't ignore such alarms, really don't!
• open the doors and windows and let the fresh air into your home. If possible, make a strong draft.
• turn off any engine, appliance, or tool that may be the source of Carbon Monoxide (CO).
• evacuate the area and do a head count (pets included!) - be sure that everyone is out.
• contact the nearest emergency center, explain to them what happened, and act according to their instructions.

Don't enter the premises until the area is well-ventilated and the problems are corrected - all Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms must be in "green." Also, if available, a Carbon Monoxide (CO) meter should be used to measure actual CO levels - not absolutely required, but can come in very handy.

If You or any member of your family have any symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, contact your doctor immediately!

 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms are small electronic devices that measure Carbon Monoxide levels and alarm if they are above a certain level.

For example, according to the UL Standard 2034, home Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms must sound a warning before carbon monoxide levels:

• reach 100 ppm (parts per million) over a period of 90 minutes, or
• reach 200 ppm over a period of 35 minutes, or
• reach 400 ppm over a period of 15 minutes.

These levels of Carbon Monoxide exposure are safe enough for an adult to avoid experiencing symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, at least in most situations - sensitive people, in theory, may experience weak symptoms even before these conditions are met.

Again, if your Carbon Monoxide alarm goes OFF, do NOT ignore it!

Depending on the power source, Carbon Monoxide alarms may be:

• battery operated,
• wired units,
• wired units with a backup battery.

Battery-operated Carbon Monoxide alarms give the user the freedom in positioning the units around the home, garage, workshop, and other areas that must be monitored.

Wired units are usually larger units that have many more features than battery-operated units, but in the case of power failure, they don't work at all.

But, wired units with backup batteries operate even during power outages, keeping the home safer even in such emergencies.

Note: Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms are often combined with smoke alarms into single units - true multifunction, 2-in-1 units. Recommended.

Some of the most popular units are (Amazon links, open in the new windows):

• Kidde Carbon Monoxide Battery Powered CO Alarm/Detector
• First Alert CO605 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup

or, if you prefer, you can search Amazon for other popular Carbon Monoxide Detectors (Amazon affiliate link, opens in the new window).

How to Properly Maintain and Test Carbon Monoxide (C0) Alarms

When maintaining and testing carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, it's essential to ensure that these life-saving devices are in good working order. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to do it effectively:

• Regular Testing: Test your CO alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button on the unit. This simple step will confirm that the alarm’s electronic components and battery are functioning correctly. If the alarm fails to sound or the sound is faint, replace the batteries immediately or consider getting a new alarm if it's battery-operated.
• Battery Replacement: For units powered by batteries, replace the batteries at least once a year, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If your alarm is hardwired (connected to your home’s electrical system), it will have a backup battery that also needs regular replacement.
• Keep it Clean: Dust and debris can hinder an alarm's sensitivity, so gently vacuum the outside of the CO alarm every six months using a soft brush attachment. Avoid using cleaners or solvents, which might damage the sensor.
• Placement Matters: Ensure CO alarms are installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, generally away from humidity-heavy areas like bathrooms or kitchens to prevent false alarms. Ideally, place an alarm on every level of your home, including the basement and near sleeping areas.
• Regular Replacement: CO alarms have a limited lifespan, usually between 5 to 7 years, although some newer models may last up to 10 years. Check the expiry date on your device and replace it before it becomes obsolete.

These guidelines ensure that your carbon monoxide alarms remain reliable, keeping you and your family safe from potential CO poisoning.

However, when a new CO detector arrives, be sure to read the user manual thoroughly in order to get accustomed to your new CO detector.

Professional Inspection of Fuel-Burning Appliances

Regular inspection of fuel-burning appliances is crucial to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, a silent but deadly threat. Professional inspections can help ensure that these appliances are operating safely and efficiently.

Here’s how to approach the professional inspection of your fuel-burning appliances:

• Schedule Regular Inspections: Have your heating systems, water heaters, and any other fuel-burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician at least once a year. The best time to do this is before the heating season begins.
• Check Vents and Flues: During the inspection, the technician should check all vents and flues to ensure they are not blocked or leaking. These are critical for allowing CO to escape safely outside your home.
• Service and Repairs: If the inspector finds any issues, such as a malfunctioning component or a buildup of soot, they should service the appliance immediately or schedule repairs. This includes cleaning the burners, adjusting the ignition system, and replacing worn-out parts.
• Understand Your Appliances: It’s helpful to know the basics of how your appliances operate and what signs might indicate a problem. For example, a yellow or flickering flame in a gas stove is a common indicator of potential CO production. Normally, the flame should be crisp and blue.
• Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: While not a substitute for regular inspections, having CO detectors near fuel-burning appliances can provide an additional safety layer. They alert you if CO levels become dangerously high.
• Maintain Records: Keep a record of all inspections, servicing, and repairs. This documentation can be useful for warranty purposes, future troubleshooting, and when assessing the long-term performance of your appliances.

Adhering to these steps ensures the safety and efficiency of your fuel-burning appliances, reducing the risk of CO exposure in your home.

Preventative maintenance by professionals is a very important part of preventing carbon monoxide poisoning - when done regularly, it may significantly decrease the dangers from Carbon Monoxide.

Nonetheless, having multiple Carbon Monoxide Detectors (Amazon affiliate link, opens in the new window) placed around your home, increases the safety of you and your family.

Long Story Short: When the Carbon Monoxide alarm goes Off, don't ignore it, open the windows and doors, make a draft, try to quickly fix the problem which caused the alarm to goes off in the first place, and leave the premises as soon as possible with everybody that were breathing the same air, pets included.

Call emergency services and act according to their instructions. If You suspect that you have Carbon Monoxide poisoning, contact your doctor or physician right away ...

Never, but really, never operate internal combustion engines indoors, not even in a garage with the garage door open... that is an accident waiting to happen ...