Reasons Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

If Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping, just Follow our Tips.

Ensuring your Colorado Springs, CO, home is outfitted with a fire alarm in various locations is essential for everyone’s safety. It is recommended to have one on every floor of the home and outside of sleeping areas. While they are an essential first alert to a problem, they may easily be forgotten until they start to show signs of trouble.

The Different Fire Alarm Beeps

If the smoke detectors in your home aren’t hardwired, it means they are running on a battery. Most standard alarms use a 9-volt battery, which should be replaced every six months. As the battery dies, it will lead to different sounds that are sure signs it’s time to inspect them.

1. Fast, Loud Beeping

Since these detectors are designed to detect the smallest bit of smoke, any loud and fast beeping means smoke has been detected. If there is no fire, it may be caused by tobacco smoke or cooking too close to the detector. It is recommended to install alarms at least 10 feet from cooking appliances.

2. Consistent Chirps in Intervals

If you hear approximately three chirps every 30 seconds, it is a sign that something is malfunctioning. If the fire alarm is more than eight years old, it likely needs to be replaced. In other cases, it may be a battery issue. Pressing the test button for a few seconds should help you determine if the battery needs to be replaced. Once pressed, it should produce a loud sound. If there is no sound, remove and replace the battery and test again.

3. Erratic Beeping

Irregular beeping often indicates that the battery is dying. If you know that it hasn’t been six months since it was replaced, the solution may be as simple as cleaning any dust or residue out of the battery compartment. Along with signaling a low battery, it may be an indicator that the battery isn’t properly positioned. Humidity may also be affecting the detector. Ensure that they are installed away from HVAC registers, open windows and ceiling fans.

If the problem persists, the residual charge may need to be cleaned. This requires holding the test button for approximately 30 seconds to reset the alarm. Pressing it again should result in normal beeping. If not, a replacement alarm may be needed.

4. Five Loud Chirps

Once you hear a loud chirp once every five minutes, it means the device is at the end of its life. End of device life. That is a clear indicator that it’s time to get a new alarm. When researching a replacement, it may be worth considering alarms with lithium-ion batteries. These alarms are designed to last 10 years without a battery replacement. After 10 years, you simply replace the unit.

Any beeping your fire alarm does that isn't related to smoke damage or flames should never be ignored. As the first line of defense against a fire, you don't want to take any risks. If a fire does occur, you can count on a fire damage restoration company to get your property back to what it was before.