Battery change CO alarm in Exeter
Professional battery change co alarm services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
10-15 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
CO alarm battery changed and tested properly. Critical safety maintenance that takes 10 minutes but could save your family's lives.
The Beep That Won't Stop
It's 2am. Beep. Wait 45 seconds. Beep. You know it's the CO alarm. You know you need to change the battery. But you're tired, you haven't got a 9V battery, and you just want to sleep.
So you take the battery out. Peace at last. And the alarm sits on the shelf for six months...
Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because you can't smell it, see it, or taste it. Your CO alarm is the only thing standing between you and unconsciousness.
💡 Pro tip: CO alarms aren't like smoke alarms where you might get away without one. If you've got ANY fuel-burning appliance (gas boiler, gas fire, oil heating), a working CO alarm isn't optional - it's critical.
Why CO Alarms Matter
Carbon monoxide poisoning kills around 50 people per year in the UK. Hundreds more are hospitalised. Most cases happen because CO alarms weren't fitted, weren't working, or had flat batteries.
| ✅ Working CO Alarm | ❌ Neglected |
|---|---|
| Detects CO before dangerous levels | Family exposed to silent poisoning |
| Loud alarm gives time to evacuate | Symptoms mistaken for flu |
| Peace of mind boiler's safe | Constant worry in winter |
| Takes 10 minutes to maintain | Can't remember last time battery changed |
| Legal requirement for landlords | Prosecution if tenant harmed |
Signs Your CO Alarm Needs Attention
🔊 The Beep Single beep every 30-60 seconds = low battery warning. Different from continuous alarm (CO detected).
📅 The Age Check the manufacture date or expiry date on the alarm. Most last 7-10 years, then the sensor stops working reliably.
❌ The Test Press the test button. If it doesn't make a loud alarm sound, it's faulty. Battery or whole unit needs replacing.
🔋 Unknown Battery Status Can't remember when you last changed it? That means it needs changing. Simple as that.
What I'll Do
🔧 The Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Locate | Find all CO alarms in your house |
| Check Expiry | Verify alarm itself is still in date |
| Test | Press test button to confirm function |
| Replace Battery | Fit fresh battery |
| Retest | Confirm alarm works with new battery |
| Document | Write date on alarm (so you know when it was done) |
🔋 Battery Types Most CO alarms use:
- 9V (PP3) battery - standard square type
- AA batteries - some newer models
- Sealed 10-year - no battery changes needed, whole unit replaced after 10 years
I carry common types, so no need to buy batteries first.
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single CO alarm | 10 mins | £60 |
| Multiple alarms (same visit) | 15-20 mins | £60 |
| New alarm fitting | Add 10 mins | +£20-35 (incl. alarm) |
Based on £60 minimum. I carry basic CO alarms if yours needs replacing (~£15-25 cost).
When To Replace The Whole Alarm
CO alarms don't last forever. Replace if:
Past Expiry Date Check the label on the alarm. If it says "Replace by 2020" and we're past that, time for a new one.
Constant False Alarms If it keeps going off when there's no CO (and you've checked with your boiler service person), the sensor's probably failing.
Won't Reset After Alarm After genuine alarm, most can be reset. If it won't stop after airing the house and resetting, replace it.
Damage or Discoloration Yellowed, cracked, or damaged alarms should be replaced. They've probably reached end of life.
Why Choose Us for Battery change CO alarm in Exeter?
Battery changed for fresh one
Alarm tested to confirm working
Expiry date checked
Peace of mind your family's safe
What to Expect
Step 1: Locate & Inspect
I find all CO alarms, check expiry dates, test function.
Step 2: Replace Battery
Fit fresh battery (or recommend replacement alarm if expired).
Step 3: Test & Mark
Test works properly, write battery change date on the alarm in permanent marker.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to maintain your CO alarm yourself? Here's how:
🔋 Changing the battery
- Twist alarm anti-clockwise to remove from ceiling/wall mount
- Open battery compartment (usually slide or clip)
- Note battery type and orientation before removing
- Fit new battery (check polarity - + and -)
- Close compartment
- Press test button to confirm it works
- Reattach to mount
🧪 Testing schedule
- Monthly: Press test button, confirm loud alarm sounds
- Annually: Replace battery (good time: when clocks change)
- Every 7-10 years: Replace entire alarm
📍 Correct placement
- Within 3m of fuel-burning appliances
- Not in corners (dead air space)
- Not directly above heat source
- Head height on wall is ideal
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Putting CO alarm in loft/garage (no one will hear it)
- Assuming alarm works because it's not beeping
- Keeping expired alarms "because they still beep" (sensor doesn't work)
- Confusing CO alarm with smoke alarm
💡 Pro trick: Write the battery change date on the alarm in permanent marker. When it beeps next year, you'll know it's been exactly a year and battery life is consistent.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Landlords: CO alarms are legally required in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance (and good practice near any fuel burner). I can document maintenance for your records.
Symptoms of CO poisoning: Headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, confusion, stomach pain, shortness of breath. Often mistaken for flu (but multiple people ill at once is a warning sign).
If alarm sounds: Get everyone out immediately, call 999, don't go back in. Even if you're not sure - better safe than dead.
Boiler service: Your annual boiler service should check for CO leaks, but the alarm is your backup. Both are important.
Exeter's older houses: Many have older gas fires, back boilers, or solid fuel stoves. These are higher risk for CO issues. Multiple CO alarms aren't overkill - one per floor minimum, one near each fuel burner ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do CO alarm batteries need changing?
Depends on the type. Standard 9V batteries: annually. Some newer alarms have sealed 10-year batteries that never need changing - the whole alarm gets replaced after 10 years instead.
How do I know if my CO alarm needs a battery?
It beeps. Usually a single beep every 30-60 seconds. That's the low battery warning. The alarm still works but the battery's getting weak. Different from the continuous alarm sound (which means carbon monoxide detected - get out immediately).
Can't I just take the battery out to stop the beeping?
You can, but please don't leave it like that. CO alarms save lives - literally. If the beeping's annoying you, that's by design. It's meant to be annoying enough that you change the battery rather than ignore it.
Will you check if the alarm's still in date?
Yes - CO alarms expire after 7-10 years (varies by model). The sensor degrades over time. If yours is past its expiry date, I'll let you know and can fit a new one while I'm there.
Where should CO alarms be positioned?
Within 3 metres of any fuel-burning appliance (gas boiler, gas fire, oil boiler). Not in corners, not directly above the appliance. Usually on the wall about head height. I'll advise if yours is badly positioned.
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