How Long Does a Carbon Monoxide Detector Battery Last?
Revving up your engines in the garage before hitting the road is almost second nature to most drivers.
But these vehicle emissions can pose a dangerous threat to your health.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is known to claim the lives of over 400 people yearly in the U.S. To curb this issue, carbon monoxide detectors were created.
Carbon monoxide detectors help detect the noxious gas in the environment. While these detectors are reliable, most of us may not know how long they last.
In this article, we’ll be addressing this issue as well as other questions that may come to your mind. Let’s begin.
Here’s the short answer to how long batteries last in a carbon monoxide detector:
Carbon monoxide detector batteries can last for about six months while the device can last 5-7 years. After this period, your detector may not perform optimally, and you may need to change the entire system.
How Do I Know If My Carbon Monoxide Detector Needs A New Battery?
Once you notice your detector makes a chirping sound every minute, it’s a sign that you should change the battery.
How Often Should You Replace A Carbon Monoxide Detector Battery?
You should change your CO detector batteries every year. More preferably, change them every 6 months (if they’re replaceable).
There are lots of replaceable batteries in the market, and you should pick the right one. You can do this by checking the model number on your alarm.
That way, you can be sure of installing the right battery for your system. Just follow the directions from your user’s manual and you’ll have it installed in no time.
Why Is My Carbon Monoxide Detector Chirping After I Changed the Battery?
The sound coming from your CO alarm system can be very annoying (especially when you’re trying to get some sleep).
After changing your battery, you may still hear the chirping sounds due to the following reasons:
1. System Malfunction
You just bought a new battery, so a low battery isn’t the cause of your ‘beeping’ problems. The problem could be with your alarm system.
To solve this issue, hold the test button for two seconds. You would stop hearing that sound.
If this doesn’t solve the issue, contact your product’s customer support.
2. End of Life Warning
Most carbon detectors would start making 5 beeps per minute when they reach the end of their useful life.
If you’ve replaced your battery and the sound is becoming more consistent, you may need to change the whole system.
If your detector system has been operational for 5-7 years, it’s a sign that you need to change it.
Can a Faulty Battery Affect the Performance of My Carbon Monoxide Detector?
A faulty battery can affect how your carbon monoxide detector works, including:
- False Alarms: Your detector systems may just go off suddenly. At first, you may feel it’s because of the presence of carbon monoxide, but it isn’t. Your battery may be faulty and need to be replaced.
- Erratic Functionality: Your CO detector may not detect carbon monoxide. This means you’re leaving your home vulnerable to this poisonous gas.
We don’t want you to be caught unawares. It’s better to change your battery.
How To Stop Your Carbon Monoxide Detector From Beeping After Changing the Battery
If there’s a beeping sound every minute (or 30 seconds), it’s a sign that your battery needs to be replaced.
- To stop the beeping, press the reset button and replace the battery.
- If there’s a continuous beep after changing the battery, maybe the air in your environment is no longer safe.
- Identify where the sound is coming from and ensure that you have enough ventilation in that area.
- Open the windows in your house and leave the area. You could fix this issue yourself or call the fire department (which is more preferable).
How to Change Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Battery
Changing your carbon monoxide detector battery is very easy. Here are a few steps you should take:
- Safety first. Ensure that you’re standing on solid ground or a sturdy platform.
- Remove your detector from the ceiling or wall. If your CO detector is attached to a mounted plate, you could remove the device by turning it counterclockwise.
- Look for the model’s number. This would help you to identify the right battery needed for your device.
- Using your user’s manual, connect the negative and positive terminals correctly.
- Wait for 30 seconds as your detector system resets itself.
- Return or place your CO detector’s cover back to its place.
What Types of Batteries Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Use?
It depends on the type of battery model used by your detector. To get more information on this, you should refer to your user’s guide.
Generally, many CO detectors use 9v batteries. These batteries are quite bulky, but they deliver the required voltage needed to power your CO detector.
There are also carbon monoxide detectors that can be powered by 2 or 3 AA batteries.
Do All Carbon Monoxide Detectors Use Batteries?
A carbon monoxide detector can be battery operated or wired-in.
Hard wired detectors are preferable because you can easily reset or purge them regularly.
They are more accurate, and they have automated emergency call features in case of a carbon monoxide outbreak.
Battery-powered CO detectors on the other hand are available at hardware stores. They are less expensive and also very easy to install.
Their batteries need to be changed twice a year, but they are still very reliable.
As for the downsides, these detectors may false read. This is because your detector registers a cumulative amount of carbon monoxide.
Also check out our article about whether a car battery will die if not used.
Best Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries
Here are some of the best carbon monoxide detector batteries:
Kidde Nighthawk Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector
If you’re thinking of getting a CO alarm for your home, this should be your first choice. This AC Plug-In CO alarm is simple but yet effective.
The device comes with lots of installation options, and you can easily install it on any outlet in your home.
First Alert Battery Operated with Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm
First Alert has a way of blending their device’s effectiveness with a unique design.
This device is recommended for homeowners who want to protect their homes but are considered less expensive options.
Unlike other brands, in case of a false alarm, this device can be silenced with the press of a button.
It’s rare for you to find a device having two detectors working perfectly. First Alert has found a way to achieve this feat and also made it affordable.
Google Nest Protect
Aside from First Alert systems, Google has already found a way to implement this 2-in-1 detector strategy. This detector has some features that make it different from other detectors.
For instance, the voice warning system in this detector is louder than your traditional detectors.
Secondly, it has the Pathlight and Nightly Promise feature that would help users see clearly in the dark.
Although it’s on the high side, the value it brings is worth the price.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
This product from Kidde has been one of the CO detectors making waves in the alarm industry. It’s one of the reliable detectors that can be purchased on a low budget.
It’s easy to install, and it has a loud voice warning system that can notify you in case of a leak.
Also check out our article about how to choose a car battery.
Final Words
Carbon monoxide detectors are not the most important home appliance you use every day, but they play a vital role in protecting your household.
Make sure you monitor the battery of your CO detector to prevent the poisonous gas from invading your home.