Home Garden

How to Turn Off Hard Wired Smoke Alarms

Smoke detectors are necessary in case of a fire emergency, but hard-wired models that chirp or sound an alarm for no reason are quite a nuisance. In most cases, changing the battery will effectively stop the noise. It is possible, however, that dirt, debris or changes in temperature may set off your alarm.

Things You'll Need

  • Battery
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Can of compressed air

Instructions

    • 1

      Open the battery compartment of your smoke alarm and remove your old battery.

    • 2

      Press the "Reset" button on your detector.

    • 3

      Replace the old back-up battery with a new one. Close the battery compartment. Make sure to align the positive and negative ends according to the diagram on the battery compartment.

    • 4

      Raise or lower your thermostat a couple of degrees if the alarm continues to sound. Wait a few minutes to see whether the noise stops. Smoke alarms sometimes beep if they deem your home too hot or too cold.

    • 5

      Clean the dust out of your smoke alarm if it continues to sound. With the alarm open, use a vacuum cleaner hose to suck the dirt and debris out of your detector or blast the debris with a can of compressed air.

    • 6

      Replace your unit if you continue to have problems. Read the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. If you live in an apartment, call your apartment manager to report the malfunctioning smoke detector.