Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). So it’s no surprise that the agency recommends a functioning smoke detector in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every floor of a home, including the basement. If a smoke detector chirps or beeps irregularly, start troubleshooting with this info immediately.
The smoke detector itself, and not its battery, may require replacement. Most manufacturers design their products to last for about 10 years. After a decade of service, some of the alarm’s components may no longer be functioning properly. While the date printed on the back of the alarm is likely the date of manufacture, not an expiration date, you can still judge the unit’s age by that date.
If you recently changed the batteries in your alarm but the device keeps making noise, you may have neglected a minor detail. That’s easy to do, since alarm designs differ, and some take different types of batteries. On some units, there’s a small security peg that must be pulled out to open the drawer and remove the battery; this peg must then be pushed back into place once the battery is changed.
If you recently installed a hardwired model that features a 10-year sealed back-up battery, chirping may indicate that you did not remove the battery pull tab. This tab must be removed after AC power is provided to the alarm in order for it to operate correctly.
Some smoke alarms encase the battery in a small drawer. When replacing a battery, make sure that it fits exactly in the slot and that the drawer closes completely. If the drawer is not fully closed, the battery will not make contact with the terminals. Similarly, on other models, ensure that the unit’s lid is closed and that it is mounted properly when reinserted onto the ceiling.
When replacing a battery, make sure that nothing is obstructing its connection to the terminals. Corrosion or even a small speck of dust, ash, or pollen can prevent proper functioning. What’s more, an insect or spider may have crawled inside the unit and made itself cozy. After removing a battery for replacement, vacuum the area carefully to remove any dust or debris and then insert the replacement. If there is visible corrosion, it’s likely that the unit is shot and it’s time to invest in a new one.
Another common culprit behind smoke detector noise is a sharp variation in temperature and/or humidity in the home. A variety of reasons may be to blame. A smoke alarm in an unheated area of the house (an attic, for instance) can become too cold to reliably deliver an electrical charge during an abrupt decline in temperature. Other causes may be hot air issuing from the bathroom after a steamy shower or heat (not smoke) from cooking in the kitchen. To avoid this kind of false alarm, reposition the smoke alarms that are in close proximity to the kitchen or bathroom door, or direct hot air away from alarm vents with a fan.
The small light sensor housed within certain types of smoke detectors can be quite sensitive. That means something as innocuous as a bit of ash, pollen, or dust—blown in through an open window, perhaps—can interrupt the light beam and set off beeping. Consider cleaning the smoke detector using a dry microfiber cloth, a can of compressed air, or your vacuum, following manufacturer’s instructions.
It makes sense to check the smoke detector straight away as soon as you hear an ear-piercing beep. But it’s possible the noise isn’t coming from the smoke detector at all, so check other possible culprits. Your carbon monoxide alarm may have gotten unplugged, or an aspect of your home security system may need attention. It might even be an alarm clock going off because its tab was unintentionally pulled out during routine house cleaning.
Sometimes, a smoke detector siren is so loud, it may be challenging to pinpoint the location of the right device. So you may be checking the detector near your kitchen when the clamor is emanating from elsewhere in the home. Folks have been known to spend hours fussing with one smoke detector only to discover that the issue was with the unit in, say, the attic right above the alarm they’d been focused on.
Some modern hardwired smoke detectors are smart devices that adapt to their environment. Trouble is, these advanced models tend to save errors to the processor, and when too many errors add up, they can trigger the alarm. All this means is that the system needs a restart; doing so will delete saved errors and start the device with a clean slate.
If your hardwired model doesn’t respond to the suggestions above, it’s time to visit the electrical panel. Look for a breaker labeled “smoke alarms” or “central alarm.” Toggle the breaker into the off position, wait several minutes, then toggle it again to restore power. If the alarm does not resume its beeping, you’ve most likely solved the problem by resetting the device. To confirm, push and hold (for a few seconds) the test button on the face of the detector. If the alarm sounds a few times and then goes silent, it’s back to working order.
