My Smoke Detector Does Not Have Battery Backup & Is Chirping

Dirty Detector

• Smoke detectors contain a sensor that activates the alarm when it senses smoke in the air. If the sensor is dusty or dirty, the unit doesn’t function properly. The constant chirping may be a sign that the detector needs to be cleaned. Remove the detector from its base, usually by turning it counterclockwise, and look for the sensor, a small cylinder with holes in it. Use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner, or a can of compressed air to clean the area around the sensor.

Electrical Problems

• A power outage, even for a brief time, is a common cause of a chirping smoke detector. Power surges also cause chirping. If the chirping occurs when an appliance, heater or fan is turned on, check to see if the alarm is on the same circuit as the appliance or other item or plug the detector into another outlet. If that doesn’t remedy the problem, call an electrician for a diagnosis and repair.

Old Smoke Detector

• Smoke detectors have a 10-year life span. Some brands chirp every 30 seconds to alert the homeowner that it is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced with a new detector. Most detectors contain a date stamp somewhere on the unit, typically on the back. Check the date and if the detector is over 10 years old, remove it and install a new one.

Considerations

• A chirping smoke detector is an indication that the unit isn’t functioning properly. Because a functioning smoke detector is vital to your safety, time is of the essence when diagnosing and repairing the problem. If all else fails, call the smoke detector manufacturer to determine if this is a common problem, if there was a recall on the model installed in your home or if it has any troubleshooting tips.