What Does It Mean When Your Smoke Detector Starts Beeping Loudly?

Batteries

• An electric smoke detector has a battery backup. When this battery dies, the smoke detector will chirp at regular intervals to let you know. To solve this, replace the battery. If the chirping continues even after a new battery has been put in, make sure that the battery you installed was put in correctly. Press the test button on the detector to reset its memory so that it doesn't continue to sense a failing battery.

Dust

• Dust, insects or spiderwebs near the detector's sensor can send false readings to the unit. To prevent the beeping sound from continuing, clean the unit with a vacuum attachment or a can of compressed air. Clean the unit twice a year to prevent the buildup of dirt.

Temperature

• Temperature changes in the home can set off the smoke alarm. If the detector beeps at certain intervals at certain times of the day, this is a likely cause. Reduce or increase the temperature in your home accordingly to prevent the beeping noise.

Circuits

• If the beeping isn't solved by any other method, call an electrician. Possible problems with the wiring in your home could be causing the detector to beep. If the alarm beeps when another device in the home is turned on, for example a toaster or coffee maker, the items might share a circuit. If the smoke detector is plugged into a wall outlet, change the outlet; if it's hardwired, have an electrician investigate.