How to Troubleshoot Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives every year, so it is important to ensure that they are working properly. These safety devices are mandatory in buildings. They detect the presence of smoke and odorless carbon monoxide, one of the major toxic gases. For buildings with or without fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and other heating units, troubleshooting and repairing your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can improve safety and efficiency.

Instructions

- 1
  Remove your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm from the wall if you hear a consistent chirping sound. The sound may occur once a minute depending on your unit. This chirping sound is usually a low-battery warning.
- 2
  Remove the old batteries from the battery compartment and replace them. Make sure the battery drawer is completely closed. Do not use rechargeable batteries because they do not provide a consistent charge.
- 3
  Reinstall your alarms in different locations if you have them close to kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioners and heating vents. Keep the units at least 10 feet away from showers, saunas and dishwashers. Air currents from kitchens can draw cooking smoke and steam into the sensing chamber of your smoke alarm and cause it go off.
- 4
  Remove your unit from the wall if it is dirty. Vacuum the open vents to remove dirt, debris and cobwebs from the sensor chamber. Refer to your unit's manual if you are not sure how to clean your model.
- 5
  Press the "Reset" or "Test" button on your units for at least 10 seconds to test them. The alarms should come on. Make sure the LED lights on your units are working. If they are not working, change the batteries.

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