What To Do When Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Each alarm should be replaced once every 10 years.

A beeping smoke alarm isn't just an annoying inconvenience. If your fire alarm keeps chirping, then there is probably something wrong with it. That could put you and your family at risk.
After all, if your smoke alarm continues to beep constantly, you and your loved ones won't know when there is an actual fire in your home. By the time you smell the smoke or see the flames, it may be too late. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to fix the problem and prevent the need for major fire damage cleanup.

Reset the Detector

Sometimes all you need to do to fix an electronic device is reset it. While it is fairly easy to reset a television or computer, the process is a bit more complicated with a fire alarm. You need to turn off the requisite part of the circuit breaker and remove the power source or battery. Next, hold the test button down for 15 to 20 seconds before restoring the power.

Change the Batteries

Your smoke detector may be chirping because its batteries are low. Even if your smoke detector isn't beeping constantly, you should still change the batteries every six months to prevent severe fire damage to your home. Make sure the new batteries are facing the right direction when you install them.

Remove Dust

Debris can also cause your smoke alarm to malfunction. Try using an air blower to remove any dust from the detector's vents.

Buy a New Alarm

If all else fails, you can always purchase a new fire detector for your home. 

Following the above steps will keep your fire alarm functioning. This will not just get rid of that obnoxious beeping noise; it can also limit the harm to your Summit, Lake, Park & Eagle Counties, CO home in the event of a fire. Whatever smoke damage does occur can be addressed with the help of fire cleanup and restoration services.