A smoke alarm that won’t stop chirping can drive you crazy. Worse, it could indicate that your alarm isn’t working properly, putting you and your family at risk. Below, we look at how to deal with this common annoyance and make certain you’re protected. If your smoke alarm is emitting a single high-pitched chirp
every 30 seconds or so, it’s most likely a sign that the battery is running low and needs to be replaced. Stopping the problem is a simple matter of changing it out. There are, of course, other reasons why your alarm might be chirping: Proactive alarm maintenance can solve almost all of
these issues. Make sure, for example, to clean your device and replace its batteries regularly. You may be hearing a regular chirp every minute or so, but that’s not the only sound smoke detectors make. Changing the Batteries in Your Smoke AlarmAs we have mentioned, the most common reason a smoke alarm chirps is because it needs a new battery. Changing that battery is a relatively straightforward process with a few short steps: How to Change the Batteries
Clearing Dust From Your Smoke AlarmDust causes smoke alarms to chirp as well. If dust gets on sensors, it can keep them from working properly. It can also interfere with the device’s battery connection, so it’s a good idea to clean your smoke alarm every six months. Each of these methods works well, but they work best when used in combination:
THE MORE YOU KNOW: A blast of compressed air once a month is an easy way to keep your smoke detector free from dust. However, you should also perform a more thorough cleaning every six months. Resetting a Smoke AlarmWhen you replace a smoke alarm’s battery, a residual charge may remain in the device. This charge can cause periodic chirping. It can be useful in such cases to reset the alarm, a process which drains this charge. The steps differ for battery-operated and wired smoke alarms. Battery-Operated AlarmsResetting a battery-operated device takes just three steps:
Wired AlarmsWired devices use your home’s electrical power. However, most have backup batteries that need to be replaced occasionally. To do this:
A Checklist for Stopping the ChirpingA number of factors could cause your smoke alarm to chirp, so we’ve prepared a basic list of steps to help you identify and fix the specific problem:
You can shut a unit down temporarily by following our guide to shutting off a smoke alarm. Buying a New Smoke AlarmAccording to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the maximum life of a smoke alarm is 10 years. If you have a unit older than this, you should definitely replace it. In addition, your detector may need to be replaced if you can’t stop it from chirping or if the test button doesn’t work. Once you’ve said goodbye to the old unit, though, how do you go about picking a new one? Well, when we’re comparing alarms, we look at four factors. Sensor TypeSmoke alarms come with one of three types of sensors.
Power SourceSmoke alarms may be powered in one of two ways.
Security FeaturesObviously, all fire alarms are designed to detect fires. However, some come with additional features, such as these:
PriceThe price of a smoke alarm varies in range depending on the type of alarm you’re looking to purchase. You can buy the cheapest battery-operated alarms for around $10. The most expensive models can cost as much as $65, but they include some of the best smart home devices on the market, like Google’s Nest Protect. Generally speaking, an average alarm with dual sensors costs around $25. Wired alarms tend to be more expensive, though. Often, an electrician must install them, or you purchase them as part of a larger home security system. As a result, they range from $80 to $120.
TIP: Make your home safer by installing a carbon monoxide detector in addition to a smoke detector. In fact, you can purchase units that include both smoke and CO detection so you’re doubly protected. Scout Smoke and CO DetectorBattery-Operated vs. Hardwired DetectorsWhich basic type of smoke alarm is right for you? Let’s talk pros and cons. Battery-OperatedBattery-operated smoke alarms are self-contained units that get their power from batteries. These are some advantages of this style of detector:
However, battery-operated detectors have a disadvantage too:
Hardwired DetectorsHardwired alarms often come as part of a complete security package with multiple devices, such as security cameras and window sensors. However, you can also purchase single units that must be wired directly into your home’s electric grid. Alternatively, some detectors can be plugged into wall outlets. These are some advantages of this style of alarm:
However, these detectors have some cons too:
How Often Should You Change Your Batteries?Obviously, battery-operated smoke alarms work on batteries, but some hardwired units come with battery backups in case your home loses power. If your detector requires batteries, it’s important that you test them regularly and change them out. FEMA recommends installing new batteries once a year.6 However, some newer models, such as detectors from First Alert, include sealed, 10-year lithium batteries that will last the lifetime of your unit.7 ADT Smoke AlarmWhat if Your Problem Is False Alarms?Chirps can be annoying, but false alarms can be a real problem. When your smoke alarm goes off and there’s no fire, you can become complacent, assuming every time there’s an alarm that it isn’t an actual emergency. Then, when an emergency does happen, you aren’t prepared. What can you do, though, to eliminate false alarms? As it turns out, many of the same problems that lead to chirping can also cause false alarms. This means that many of the same fixes will work for false alarms. These are our suggestions:
These factors can also cause false alarms:
Why Does Your Alarm Go Off When You Change the Batteries?When you change the batteries on your smoke detector, it may chirp for up to 10 seconds. This chirping is normal and signals that the device is receiving fresh power. The same thing may happen to hardwired alarms when you turn on the device’s power. If the chirping continues, however, your detector might have a residual charge from the previous battery. Take out the battery, hold down the test button for 15 seconds, and replace the battery. Why Does Your Alarm Go Off in the Middle of the Night?If your alarm only chirps at night while you’re cozy in bed, you may be tempted to believe it’s messing with you deliberately. However, there is actually a technical explanation for this behavior. The phenomenon is a result of two factors:
In short, your low batteries don’t chirp during the day because they are putting out just enough power. However, if they are weakening at night, they begin to run low and you should replace them. What Is the Normal Lifespan of a Smoke Detector?According to FEMA, a smoke detector should last up to 10 years. After this point, you should replace it with a new unit. Of course, you may decide to upgrade it more frequently. In any case, you should test your alarm once a month and change its batteries at least once a year to keep it in good working order. RecapThere are many ways to protect yourself from a fire in your home. Smoke detectors are part of the first line of defense. In the simplest terms, smoke detectors can save your life. They do chirp occasionally, and it’s easy to get frustrated or annoyed with this behavior. Rather than simply removing the batteries or disconnecting the alarm, though, use this guide to diagnose and fix the problem. That way, your detector will stay in good working order and do its job. FAQsStill have questions about your chirping smoke alarm? We’ve put together some answers to the most common questions below.
How do you stop smoke detectors from beeping after power outage?Go to your main control box and disconnect the battery supply, which will stop all beeping and shut your alarm system down. Once power is restored, you can reconnect your battery and your alarm system should work as before.
How do I reset my First Alert smoke detector after a power outage?Clear Residual Charge to Stop the Chirp
Remove the alarm from your ceiling or wall. Open the cover and take out the battery. Press and hold the test button for 15-30 seconds. This will fully reset the smoke alarm and drain any charge left inside.
Can power outage cause smoke detectors go off?Although a power outage might cause a false alarm for hardwired carbon monoxide detectors, they typically have a battery backup that should prevent that from occurring.
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