Battery change CO alarm in Teignmouth

### 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.

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### 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 |

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### 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.

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### 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.

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### 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).*

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### 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.