My Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off in the Middle of the Night: How to Fix

If your carbon monoxide detector continues to go off at odd times of the day, it’s a severe issue that you should take seriously.

Before fixing this issue, you should call for help right away. You should not take a carbon monoxide leak lightly. After confirming that it’s just a false alarm, you can change the detector’s battery, open your windows to reduce moisture buildup, and move any appliances that are near it to a safe distance.

This post will teach you why carbon monoxide detectors go off in the middle of the night and how to fix it.

Why Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Go Off in the Middle of Night?

The low battery life of a carbon monoxide detector is one of the reasons why it triggers in the middle of the night. Other factors such as the low temperature and a carbon monoxide leak can also cause it to go off.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Are you sure that the carbon monoxide alarm is a fake? Also, do you know what to do when it goes off? You should always take the activation seriously and immediately evacuate the building if you are not sure it’s working correctly.

Getting sick from carbon monoxide poisoning can be incredibly frightening, especially if you don’t have any warning signs. The initial symptoms can be weak, and by the time you realize something is wrong, you might not be able to get help.

If you’re experiencing some symptoms such as headaches or dizziness, this could indicate that the carbon monoxide detector is working correctly.

Sometimes, the carbon monoxide leak source might not be your home. It could be coming from a neighboring property. If the room is heavily traveled, the traffic exhaust could contribute to the issue.

Too Close to Appliances

Some appliances, such as ovens, can produce carbon monoxide when they’re running. Although these levels are harmless, they can still trigger a carbon monoxide detector.

If the detector is too close to an appliance or the room is not ventilated correctly, it can create a carbon monoxide buildup. Contrary to popular belief, carbon monoxide is not as heavy as air.

This item is slightly lighter, making it ideal for detecting carbon monoxide in rooms without ventilation. It doesn’t require much effort to trigger a false alarm.

Using an indoor heater or a dryer not vented correctly can create a buildup of carbon monoxide in the air. Before using these types of equipment, make sure they’re labeled and installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Moisture

Although moisture can’t trigger a false alarm, it can still lead to issues with your carbon monoxide detector. It is because excess water can cause it to malfunction. It can also harm your electronics when too much moisture enters them.

Do not install carbon monoxide detectors in bathrooms and other home areas that could be prone to experiencing carbon monoxide buildup.

It can be tough to tell if the issue is with the carbon monoxide detector. However, replacing it is the only way to ensure that the original problem resolves. You should only install the new sensor in a room that has a source of excess moisture.

Internal Defect

Despite being made to be incredibly reliable, carbon monoxide detectors can still fail. It is because their internal circuits might eventually give out.

One pair of exposed wires can cause a malfunction in your detector. Even if you inspect the device, the issue might not be apparent. If your detector’s batteries are defective, they might also start leaking. Having them checked regularly can help prevent this issue.

If the detector still works after you press the test button, it might be because its electronics are in good condition. However, this doesn’t mean that everything is working correctly. Try moving it to a different area to see if the issue persists.

Loose Wirings

If you have a problem with your home’s wiring, it could indicate something incorrectly. Having an electrician come out and check it out can help you avoid costly repairs later on. It can also help keep you from getting frustrated and dealing with the issue in the first place.

How to Fix My Carbon Monoxide Detector That Goes Off in the Middle of the Night?

If your carbon monoxide detector is not working correctly, you must replace its battery immediately. Doing so will allow you to prevent it from going off at night.

Replace the Battery

If the low battery level is the main reason the detector goes off at night, it’s time to replace it. Having a carbon monoxide detector that doesn’t work correctly can be hazardous. Having a new battery can also prevent the incident from happening in the first place.

If the battery of your carbon monoxide detector is non-removable, then it’s probably time to replace it.

Even though your carbon monoxide detector is brand new, its battery might still have a problem. You can test it or replace it by itself. If you do not remove the battery, you might have to buy a new one.

Buy a New Carbon Monoxide Detector

Some brands of carbon monoxide detectors require people to replace their units every couple of years. For instance, Kidde recommends replacing their units after ten years.

If you have a carbon monoxide detector used for a while, you might want to replace it with a newer model. However, if you’re not sure it’s old enough, you can always substitute it with a brand new one.

Before replacing an older carbon monoxide detector, ensure you have the user manual. It will give you a notion of how long it should last. You can also check out the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer service department.

Clean the Detector

If the detector triggers, it could be because of the dirt and dust in its chamber. Before you install it, make sure that you will not place it in a location that can expose it to dust. Also, make sure that it’s not too close to your furnace.

When the detector is still going off in the middle of the night, it might be because there is a loose wire. You can also try loosening the nut of the detector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do When Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes off in the Middle of the Night?

An evacuation is immediately necessary if a carbon monoxide detector goes off at night. Homeowners should also open their doors and windows to allow ventilation and turn off all their appliances to prevent carbon monoxide from entering their homes.

Can a Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes off for No Reason?

The carbon monoxide sensor will not go off entirely for no reason. Many causes can trigger it, like carbon monoxide leak, low battery life, too much moisture, and loose wirings inside the device. It can happen if the internal resistance of the detector gets activated.

Conclusion

Before you fix a carbon monoxide issue, make sure that you call for help immediately. It’s important to confirm that a carbon monoxide leak warning is a false alarm. You can change the battery of your detector, open your windows, and put away appliances near it.

One of the essential factors that you should consider when it comes to the battery life of your carbon monoxide detector is to make sure that it is working correctly.

If it is not working correctly, it will cause the low-temperature level in the house to go off at night. You can also substitute the battery if it is non-functional or if it is an old one.