Newer smoke alarms keep some errors in the processor. The smoke alarm must clear errors after the battery is changed, but it might continue to chirp even after you change the batteries. This usually occurs in electrical powered smoke alarms with a battery backup.
If you have changed the batteries and tried the circuit breaker, but the beeping persists, you may need to try resetting the detector(s): Use the reset button: most smoke detectors have a red reset button. Hold the reset button down for approximately 15-20 seconds.
Press and hold the test/silence button for 20 seconds. You'll find this on the front of your detector. Reconnect all power sources (reconnect the wiring or plug back into the outlet). Your alarm should now be reset.
Removing the battery will also stop it being a smoke alarm any longer, so your best course of action here would be to just change the battery while you're at it. If you have a wired smoke alarm, the chirping can be a sound of a low backup battery.
The Hush® feature of most alarms provides the capability to temporarily lower the sensitivity of the smoke sensor for up to 10 minutes. This feature should be used only when a known alarm condition, such as smoke or heat from cooking, activates the alarm.
In most cases, you can find the 'hush' button on the smoke detector's cover. However, if you have trouble finding the button or are not sure if your detector has the feature, check out your user manual. Also, always make sure you seek guidance from an expert at your security company before you tinker with the detector.
The smoke alarm must clear errors after the battery is changed, but it might continue to chirp even after you change the batteries. This usually occurs in electrical powered smoke alarms with a battery backup.
A smoke detector blinking red could mean: It's Working Properly: Some brands use an occasional red blinking light to indicate the unit is working properly. Check with your manufacturer to make sure. You Need to Run a Test: Regularly testing your smoke alarms helps you spot problems before a fire occurs.
If your smoke alarm won't stop going off, reset the alarm after first checking that there is no actual fire in your home. If it is only a case of cooking smoke or steam setting off the alarm, most smoke alarms will stop beeping once you open windows and doors to air out the room.
Testing and Changing Your Smoke Alarm Batteries
If your detector is hardwired into your home's electrical system, replace the backup battery at least every 6 months and replace the smoke detector itself at least every 10 years.
Maintain your alarms
Test smoke alarms every month by pressing their test buttons. If your alarms use regular batteries, swap in fresh batteries at least once a year. A “chirping” sound means that it's time to change batteries. Because alarm sensors wear out, replace each alarm at least every 10 years.
It is not acceptable to replace a hard wired alarm with one that is battery operated. A home must maintain at least the same level of protection as originally required. It is the law.
Hardwired units will have a steady green LED light to show that it's receiving AC power. Battery-operated units will have a quick flash every 30-45 seconds.
Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace your batteries.
Most modern smoke detectors offer a HUSH or standby mode, which will stop the alarm from sounding. In most alarm models, you can activate HUSH mode by pressing the test button on your alarm's front cover.
The most likely reason smoke detectors go off unexpectedly is that people aren't changing the batteries in them often enough. In most sensors you might think of, the strength of the signal goes up when they detect what they're supposed to.
This battery characteristic can cause a smoke alarm to enter the low battery chirp mode when air temperatures drop. Most homes are the coolest between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. That's why the alarm may sound a low-battery chirp in the middle of the night, and then stop when the home warms up a few degrees.
The "HUSH" feature can be used repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm. Pushing the Test/Reset button on the alarm will end the hush period.
Hardwired smoke detectors (which typically include a backup battery) are subject to similar issues as those that operate on a battery only. However, hardwired units often require resetting after problems are addressed. On most, simply hold the reset button for 15 to 20 seconds to silence the noise.
It's pretty simple to check the age of your smoke detector: Just climb up on a ladder and take a look at the back of the alarm up-close. There will be a manufactured date that tells you when the alarm was made. If that date was 10 years ago or more, it's definitely time to replace it.
Most use 9-volt alkaline (you know, those rectangular boxes with two prongs at the end?) but some use AA. It'll be specified in the battery compartments in your smoke alarms, so have a look to be sure.
The battery may need to be replaced. An alarm will chirp every 30 to 60 seconds for a minimum of seven days. With a "low battery" announcement, disconnect the unit and replace the batteries. You can also put a unit into low battery hush for up to 12 hours on newer units by pressing the test/hush button.