How to Fix a Beeping Fire Alarm

When an alarm keeps beeping, your mind immediately thinks of fire. Yet, a chirping alarm doesn’t always mean there’s danger. While it sounds threatening, most times it means something less harmful.  

What Does a Beeping Fire Alarm Mean?

Unless there is some kind of smoke or fire emergency, a smoke alarm beeping every 30 seconds signifies that it is low battery. Sometimes though, other environmental factors can cause the alarm to beep more than normal. They are most sensitive to dust, sunlight, circuit breaks, or residual charge from a previous battery.  

Change the Batteries 

Removing and changing batteries is an easy and quick three-step process. First, you’ll want to take off the cover of the detector. Most alarms can twist open, but occasionally, you might have a model that includes a plastic lock. In this case, you’ll need a screwdriver or finger to pop it open. Each alarm has a manual where you can find specific instructions. 

Then, you’ll need to replace the battery. Most smoke and carbon monoxide detectors use either AA or 9V batteries, but you might come across one that uses lithium. Once you have the right battery, make sure you line up the negative and positive connections correctly.

After installing the new battery, test it out. Press the test button for a couple of seconds. The alarm should start beeping, then stop.

Clear Dust from the Alarm

Dust can be one of the major causes of constant beeping. Since it accumulates often, it’s good to clean your alarm every six months. To clean the detector, you can remove the cover from the device and use a soft brush attachment to remove any unwanted elements. Then, you can clean the outside of the alarm unit with a damp wipe. In addition, using compressed air can help get dust out of places a normal vacuum or wipe can’t reach.

Reset the System

Sometimes after changing a battery, a leftover charge can stay in the device. In this case, the battery will need to be reset. For battery-powered alarms, there are just three steps. First, you’ll remove the battery, locate and press the test button for 15 seconds, and re-install the battery

For wired alarms, there are nine steps. First, you’ll shut off the home’s main power breaker, disconnect the alarm unit power cable, take off alarm, remove the backup battery, press the test button for 15 seconds, re-install the backup battery, reconnect the alarm to power cable, replace the alarm, and turn the main power breaker on.

Buy a New Smoke Alarm

A smoke alarm lasts about 10 years. If none of these methods above stop the beeping, it might be time for a new smoke alarm. We can help you figure out the next steps when you require a new smoke detector. 

Beeping fire alarms can create annoyance within your home or business. Most likely, this is not due to a safety issue but rather an internal or environmental factor. Let our professionals help find the right fire alarm for you.