The answer to 'flickering carbon monoxide detector' is that a flickering or blinking carbon monoxide (CO) detector can indicate a few common issues. It may be a low battery, a sensor malfunction, or the detector is reaching the end of its lifespan. Flickering can also occur during the initial warm-up period when the detector is first powered on.
If the detector is new and still flickering after the initial warm-up, it's likely a sensor issue and the unit should be replaced. For older detectors, try replacing the batteries first. If the flickering persists, the sensor may be failing and the entire detector should be replaced. It's best to err on the side of caution and replace any CO detector that is not functioning properly.