It’s a very common question and one we’re all too happy to answer. There can be a number of factors at play here. Ranging from the detector needing to be reset or replacing the unit’s battery, there are a few things that can be triggering a beeping or nuisance alarm. It’s important to note that non-functioning carbon monoxide alarms can be a severe liability as they can leave you vulnerable to the many dangers associated with undetected carbon monoxide. Let’s get to the bottom of it. Here are few things that may be triggering nuisance alarms or chirping for your carbon monoxide detectors:
Location is Key to Avoiding Nuisance Alarms
Similar to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors need to be placed in the correct setting for the best result. You’ll generally want at least 10 ft. of space from high humidity sources such as showers, dishwashers, laundry machines and humidifiers. That last one usually catches folks off guard as they’ll inadvertently place a humidifier near or next to a carbon monoxide alarm. The mist that a humidifier releases can interfere with your carbon monoxide alarm’s sensor, triggering a nuisance alarm.
It’s not just mist though. You’ll also want to avoid areas that release a lot of air. Think ceiling fans, heating vents and air conditioners… A carbon monoxide alarm placed too close to these is susceptible to nuisance alarms as the sensor is being disrupted by a large source of air. Other factors that can trigger a nuisance alarm include dust and cold temps. As always, consult your carbon monoxide alarm manual when it comes to installation (all USI Carbon Monoxide Detectors feature a manual that can be found online at the product page).
A Low Battery May Be Responsible for Chirping
If your USI Carbon Monoxide Alarm is chirping once every 40 seconds, it’s time to replace the unit’s battery. Before you do this, make sure that the battery activation tab has been completely removed (if applicable). The battery also needs to be properly aligned. If this doesn’t silence the chirping, it’s definitely time to replace the detector’s battery.
An End of Service Alarm May Be the Cause of Chirping
Somethings can’t be corrected with a battery replacement (this is especially true for sealed battery alarms). Depending on the alarm you’ve selected, your USI Carbon Monoxide Detector will feature an activation period of 7 to 10 years. One thing that I’m asked a lot on is the activation period. There is a date printed on the back of your alarm. It’s important to note that this is a manufacturer’s date. The 7 to 10 year lifespan will begin once your alarm is activated upon installation.
Resetting Your Alarm to Silence Chirping or Nuisance Alarms
You can reset your carbon monoxide alarm by pressing the test/silence button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will return the detector to its original status. It’s important to use this feature whenever an alarm triggers. You’ll also want to use this whenever changing a unit’s battery or installing a new detector. The silence button can also be used to quiet nuisance/non-hazardous alarms. Resetting a detector that’s chirping or triggering nuisance alarms is a solid solution. Just be certain that the alarm is active when you’re finished silencing/testing.
(28 Reviews)
(17 Reviews)
(16 Reviews)
(15 Reviews)
Universal Security Store News Articles
It's a very common question and one we're all too happy to answer. There can be a number of factors at play here. Ranging from the detector needing to be reset or replacing the unit's battery, there are a few things that can be triggering a beeping or nuisance alarm. ...Read More
We still do not hold the threat of natural gas to the same standard as we do smoke and carbon monoxide. It's something that needs to be addressed as natural gas disasters continue to appear throughout the world. ...Read More
They're not talked about nearly as much as the previous two types, but heating fires account for a large percentage of fire incidents every year. One of the primary causes for heating fires is a reliance on portable heating equipment, especially in the winter. ...Read More
Electrical fires are often regarded as the most unpredictable as they're capable of beginning and escalating beyond the naked eye. Electrical fires can be triggered by a number of sources such as poor wiring, defective electrical outlets and the use of old appliances....Read More
You can't predict when or what type of fire will occur, but you can make sure that you and everyone around are properly alerted to its presence. To better understand the severity of this danger, we have to identify the different types of fires that occur in the home....Read More
Universal Security Sensing Plus Multi Criteria Detection removes the dated use of single sensor technology by being able to detect both types of fires. This is achieved via a Sensing Plus Detector's use of artificial intelligence that can quickly recognize both types of fires. We talk about this and other features that define the new series of USI Smoke, Fire & Carbon Monoxide Alarms. ...Read More
New Natural Gas Alarm Laws are being introduced in the United States. Make sure your home and family's surroundings are safe from this and other dangers with a USI Natural Gas Alarm, ...Read More
The USI-1204 alarm is no longer available so we have put together a list of other wired in smoke alarms that are compatible. Installing a replacement fire alarm is easy with our step by step guide....Read More
Did you know that 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occurred in homes that did not feature operating smoke detectors? This can be directly linked to smoke alarms having exceeded their expiration date or just the absence of smoke detectors in general. It's a frightening reality that's compounded by the fact that fire departments across the United States annually respond to an emergency every 24 seconds. ...Read More
Shop Consumer Favorite Universal Security Smoke & Fire Alarms that include: hardwired smoke alarms, battery powered smoke alarms and the 8th edition Universal Security Sensing Plus Smoke Alarm series. ...Read More
USI Sensing Plus Smoke Alarms conform to the latest UL Standards. Implementing a series of industry defining smoke and fire safety features, Sensing Plus Smoke Alarms excel in delivering precision results when alerting home and business owners to actual threats....Read More
Is a battery powered smoke alarm or hardwired smoke alarm right for me? ...Read More
Consumer favorite USI-1204 Smoke and Fire Alarm with Battery Backup uses an ionization sensor to provide fast flaming fire protection. ...Read More
Get the best protection without breaking the bank, we discuss our top smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detection models with the best price tags. ...Read More
USI Room Designated Smoke, Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms remove the guessing work from home installation....Read More
USI Alkaline Powered Alarms are the first and only selection of detectors to implement Duracell Duralock Power Preserve Technology....Read More
The USI Store will be honoring National CO Awareness Month this January by spotlighting a large selection of USI Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Combination Alarms....Read More
usi ionization smoke and fire alarm with battery backup available for online purchase at USI Store. Purchase USI hardwired and battery operated smoke alarms at the USI Store....Read More
The Universal Security Store has simplified the entire process by offering a selection of room specific USI Smoke and Fire Alarms...Read More
USI Combination Alarms are an excellent choice for those searching for layered protection against multiple threats. The installation of a standalone smoke or carbon monoxide alarm may limit homeowners into selecting one type over the other....Read More
The winter months carry a significantly increased risk for homeowners seeking to protect themselves and their loved ones from the very real and often lethal attributes of fire and carbon monoxide. USI Store offers all of the necessary equipment required to keep your family and home safe from fire, smoke and carbon monoxide during the winter season....Read More
Reliable smoke and fire detectors don't have to cost you a fortune. Universal Security has manufactured an cost effective line of ionization, photoelectric, dual sensing and universal smoke sensing alarms at a fraction of the cost of other competitors....Read More
The USI Store is currently hosting its Fire Prevention Month Storewide Sale. This is an online exclusive that will invite customers to take 20% off the USI Store's entire selection of Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Combination Alarms and other Safety Products....Read More
Capable of reacting 87% faster to Slow Smoldering Fires and quickly responding to Fast Flaming Fires, USI is elevating the genre of Smoke and Fire Alarms by offering homeowners and business owners a sense of renewed and unrivaled peace of mind....Read More
Shop for fire alarms and smoke detectors during fire prevention week and save 25% off your order....Read More
USI's collection of Smoke and Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms that utilize a sealed battery model that allows for ten years unwavering protection....Read More
Gain whole house protection from smoke, fire and carbon monoxide with Universal Security's line of room designation alarms. Bedroom Smoke Detectors, Hallways Smoke & CO detectors and Kitchen Smoke Detectors...Read More
The USI Store's online collection of Hardwired Smoke Alarms has been thoroughly tested to meet and surpass the qualifications set by state laws and legislations. The USI Electric Hardwired Ionization Smoke and Fire Alarm with Long Life Battery Backup is an excellent example of the USI brand's commitment to utilize multiple technologies to ensure optimal safety....Read More
Find the best and most reliable carbon monoxide alarms, the new 10 year battery operated MC304SB CO alarm by USI is one of the most affordable detectors offering the most reliable co protection on the market....Read More
The USI Store is currently hosting its Home Smoke & CO Protection Sweepstakes. This contest is a USI Store exclusive and will allow entrants to win one of three USI Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Protection Bundles. Homeowners can ill afford to put a price on the safety of their surroundings and loved ones. That's why the USI Store has comprised a selection of Smoke & Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms that surpass all of the demands one would place on a superior safety enhancer....Read More
USI Smoke and Fire Alarms are available in three differing categories that include: Ionization Smoke Alarms, Photoelectric Smoke Alarms and Universal Smoke Sensing Technology Alarms. USI Carbon Monoxide Alarms are offered as standalone models and Combination Alarms that are capable of simultaneously detecting the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide....Read More
While the winter months are usually associated with a higher number of incidents involving carbon monoxide, the summer months carry a collection of their very own risks linked to the presence of CO. Often referred to as the "silent killer", carbon monoxide is the leading cause of deaths attributed to poison in the United States....Read More
Unique Features Only Found in USI Sealed 10 Year Battery Alarms include 10 Year Warranty for BOTH Alarm and Battery. Lithium Free Battery allows for Eco-Friendly Disposal. 10 Years of Protection upon Activation not Purchase. Patented Microprocessor Technology (Select Alarms....Read More
The integration of brand specific U.S.S.T. technology ensures dual protection as homeowners will be alerted to the presence of both fast flaming and slow smoldering fires. U.S.S.T. Detectors simplify the process of selecting the correct alarm as they enable access to a patented microprocessor technology that allows for maximum overall protection....Read More
Hardwired smoke and co alarms with battery backups give you the most reliable solution for home fire and co poison safety. USI offers a variety of easy to install detection products to suite your needs....Read More
Make sure you are installing your alarms in the correct places within your home, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has recommended that a combination alarm be installed within every bedroom, areas adjoining bedrooms and every level within the household. This would include basements and finished attic spaces....Read More
Find the most popular and cost effective smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors by Universal Security Instruments....Read More
Universal Security Instrument alarm bundles represent a convenient and affordable means of safeguarding your entire household from the many dangers presented by smoke and carbon monoxide. Incorporating the themes of performance, accessibility and steadfast reliability, USI Smoke and Fire Alarms set an industry standard for quickly recording and responding to the presence of smoke....Read More
10 Year sealed smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and combo alarms from Universal Security Instruments. Providing revolutionary technology at an amazing price, plus no hassle permanent power alkaline batteries that last the duration of the alarms life....Read More
The fall and winter months increase the susceptibility of homeowners looking to secure that much sought after peace of mind in preventing disaster. Universal Security Instruments recognizes the many dangers associated with CO and has outfitted its online store with a wide selection of carbon monoxide alarms...Read More
USI's series of innovative Universal Smoke Sensing Alarms proves this point emphatically by incorporating a microprocessor that's capable of recording incredibly accurate detection results while minimizing nuisance alarms....Read More
The new universal security store offers patented technology smoke alarms and fire detectors. Gain maximum protection from a brand you can trust with usi smoke, fire and co alarms....Read More
