How to Stop the Flashing Green Light on a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Quck answer

To make the flashing green light of a carbon monoxide alarm stop, follow these steps:

1. Check if there is an actual carbon monoxide leak or if it is a false alarm. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and see if the alarm stops flashing.

2. If there is a real carbon monoxide leak, evacuate the premises immediately and call emergency services.

3. If it is a false alarm, check the batteries of the alarm. Replace them if they are low or dead.

4. Clean the alarm. Dust and debris can trigger false alarms. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to clean the vents and sensors.

5. Test the alarm to ensure it is working properly after cleaning and battery replacement.

Remember, carbon monoxide is a deadly gas, so it is important to take any alarm seriously and ensure your safety.


If you use natural gas heating or cooking methods, it is crucial to have a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer because it cannot be detected by our senses. To ensure your safety, install carbon monoxide alarms in your home that will sound an alarm if they detect this dangerous gas. However, these alarms sometimes have issues like chirping or blinking lights, which can be bothersome to resolve.

Indicators of a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The most obvious indicator of a carbon monoxide alarm is the loud noise it makes when it detects gas. However, the less obvious indicators, such as a blinking green or red light, can be more challenging to understand.

Keep in mind that each carbon monoxide alarm is different depending on the brand and model. In general, a steady or blinking green light is not concerning unless the alarm is also chirping. To be sure, refer to the user guide or the manufacturer’s website.

For instance, First Alert provides an LED light indicator chart on their website that explains the meaning of each light for their different models. A flashing green light may indicate that the alarm is installed and functioning correctly. In this case, you should not try to stop the flashing green light.

Possible Causes of a Flashing Green Light

If the light was not flashing before but has started recently, you may need to reset the unit. If the blinking is due to a power outage, locate and press the Test/Silence button or a similarly labeled button. Be aware that the alarm will make a loud noise, but after pressing the button, the light should stop flashing and return to normal operation.

Another reason for the green light to flash is a low level of carbon monoxide. In this case, the light will continue to flash until the gas level decreases below the accepted threshold or rises to a dangerous level, triggering the alarm. This type of blinking green light cannot be resolved physically, as the alarm is doing its job of detecting potential danger.

The flashing green light on a carbon monoxide alarm is specific to each model and brand. Therefore, it is important to consult the appropriate company or user guide to understand its meaning. If the green light is accompanied by any noises, including chirping, it may indicate that the battery or the alarm itself needs to be replaced.

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