How to Troubleshoot Home Smoke Detector Problems

Replace the battery if the smoke detector is making a chirping sound. Open the battery door, and pull the old battery from the detector. In many cases, the battery will be a 9-volt design and will typically snap into two contacts mounted to the unit or a set of wires. Connect a battery securely.

Tightly close the battery door by pushing it closed with your hand. A loose or partially open battery door may cause the detector to give off a warning chirp or beep as a means of notifying you that something is not right.

Vacuum the cover, vents and sides of the smoke detector. Use a hose end attachment, such as a brush, to thoroughly remove any accumulated dust or debris that may interfere with the operation of the detector.

Relocate the detector if false alarms are routinely given. A detector should be located 15 to 20 feet away from an oven or cook top and away from areas such as bathrooms, where high humidity levels may be present. This is typically not an issue with detectors wired by the builder that cannot be moved without routing new wiring.

Remove the detector from the mounting plate by turning to the left or right and then straight out. Remove the mounting screws from the plate, and select a new location. Install the mounting plate with the same screws, and secure the detector in place.