The Top 5 Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping
Do you hear a faint chirping noise coming from the back hallway or the basement? Don’t ignore it. It might be your smoke detector.
Smoke detectors are designed to chirp or beep when they need servicing.
Common Reasons for Smoke Alarm to Beep
When the battery in your smoke alarm is starting to get weak, the alarm is designed to warn you to change the battery by emitting an intermittent chirp or beep. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends homeowners change the battery in their smoke alarm once a year. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions in case they specify that a brand or model of battery must be used. If you have a smoke alarm with a non-replaceable, 10-year battery and it starts to beep, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
If the battery is not making complete contacts with the terminals in the alarm or if the battery cover is not fully closed, the smoke alarm may continue to beep. For smoke alarms with a battery back-up, there is a pull-tab that needs to be removed after AC power is provided to the device. If the smoke alarm is still beeping, make sure the pull-tab has been removed. If that doesn’t work, try manually resetting your smoke alarm to clear the error. If the batteries you have installed in the smoke detector have been sitting in a drawer for a long time or stored in a cold area, they may not work. Try another battery.
Dirt, humidity, steam, or a drastic temperature fluctuation can sometimes trigger beeping or chirping. Another similar system nearby can also cause interference. The NFPA recommends smoke alarms are never installed near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation. Smoke alarms should never be painted or decorated either. Check your manufacturer’s instructions, but you can usually clean the interior of your smoke alarm with a vacuum or wipe it down with a damp cloth.
A power outage or surge can cause an issue with your smoke alarm. Does the chirping always occur when you turn on another appliance in your home? Perhaps the alarm needs to be moved onto another circuit. You may need to call an electrician to investigate if you have hardwired smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms have an average life expectancy of about ten years. The NFPA recommends homeowners replace their smoke detectors every ten years. If your alarm is beeping and you can’t figure out why take it down and check the manufacturer’s date on the back. If it is nearing ten years old, replace it.
Smoke detectors save lives. Almost three-fifths of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke detectors or no working smoke detectors, according to data from the NFPA. If your smoke alarm is not working for some reason or beeping and driving you crazy, it’s critical to figure it out right away.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Fire Safety for Multistory Buildings
While it can seem similar to homes or businesses, multistory properties have unique demands for fire safety. Whether your property includes a mid-rise condo and business building or multiple low-rise apartment locations, it requires additional care and consideration when evaluating the protection of inhabitants from fire hazards. If a fire breaks out in one section…
DIY Security Systems
DIY home security systems have been on the market for years, offering homeowners the ability to order and install a simple-to-use system for their property. A DIY system often boasts cheap and easy security solutions for a home but are not the right fit for all homes. Cost-Benefits As with almost everything in life, cheaper isn’t…
Where Should Smoke Detectors Be Placed?
Smoke Detector Placement Fire can spread extremely fast. In just minutes, a building can be fully engulfed in flames. Smoke detectors are critical to give people inside homes and commercial buildings early warnings so they have time to get out. Proper smoke detector placement is also key when it comes to keeping your home or business safe. Residential Smoke Detector Placements At a minimum, The National Fire Protection…
5 Common Causes of Commercial Fires
Many business owners and employees think their chances of dealing with a fire in the workplace are improbable, but the numbers tell a different story. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 116,500 commercial fires were reported nationally in 2021. These fires contributed to 115 deaths, 1,025 injuries, and over $3.6 billion in…
5 Common Fire Safety Violations
For business owners, maintaining a commercial fire safety system is crucial for day-to-day protection. Ensuring your system and its components are in order is especially important when your business’ fire inspection occurs each year. Even if you do everything you can to prepare for your next fire inspection, you may only realize you missed something…
ADT Home Security Settlement
ADT home security is facing a class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs allege that ADT failed to disclose wireless sensors’ vulnerability to evasion and jamming. Why should you care? Although this settlement is for ADT, this is a vulnerability all wireless security systems face. Let’s talk about wireless technology for a second. All home Wi-Fi…
7 Tips For Small Business Security
We hope it never happens to you, but workplace crime is something that all business owners should be prepared to encounter. With one-third of our life spent at work, it is an important place to secure and monitor for your safety, and that of your employees. Luckily, there are many simple, proactive steps you can…
Addressable vs. Conventional Fire Alarms
When determining what type of fire alarm systems are best for your business, it boils down to your choice between a conventional and addressable alarm system. The combination of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors work together with your control panel to keep your business safe. Additionally, you will need to determine what kind of automatic…
Who Owns ADT Alarm Systems After Install?
You’ve paid to have an alarm system installed in your home. Do you own the equipment? Most likely, but not yet if you contracted with a big-box home security company like ADT. Payment Plans for Equipment Most people sign up on special offers in which they will pay an installation fee for the equipment, but…
Cost of Home Security Systems
Getting a security system for your home is a wise investment. While the obvious benefit is protection for your family, home, and belongings, it’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your family will have professional help in case of an emergency. Still, you must…