Why Does My Smoke Detector Chirp?
May 20, 2022 The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) reports that three out of five fire deaths happen because of the lack of smoke detectors in homes, or because the present smoke detectors are not in working condition. To help save lives, it’s recommended to install smoke alarms in every room in the house and hasten the process of fixing any smoke alarms that aren’t working. There are two kinds of smoke detectors, battery-operated and hardwired. A battery-operated smoke detector is easier to move and relocate, while the hardwired detectors are connected to your electrical system. The advantage of a hardwired detector is that if one alarm goes off, then all other alarms connected to the system go off as well.
Types of Beeping
Different beeping noises can mean different things. Find out what each beep means by learning through the eyes of an electrician.
- Loud and fast beeping: This type of beeping is a common indicator of the signals of a fire. Even if you do not see any smoke or fire, or smell any burnt odors, you should still be wary of your surroundings. Only after you checked around the house and are sure there is no fire should you label the beeping as a false alarm. False alarms tend to happen from reasons like smoking, heat, and smoke coming from the cooking in the kitchen. Another reason for the fast beeping could be that it’s indicating that your smoke detector’s life is coming to an end. An affordable electrician from Mr. Electric can help you assess the amount of time your smoke detector can continue to function properly. After your current smoke detector is no longer functional, you’ll need a smoke detector installation. Our professional electricians at Mr. Electric will help you get your new smoke detectors installed in no time.
- Regular consistent beeping: This can be the cause of a device or battery malfunction. If the device is expired and continuously chirps, it’s clearly giving you a sign that you need to replace your smoke detector. You could test if the batteries are working by setting off the alarm. Press the "test" button on the machine to initiate the smoke alarm. If the alarm doesn’t go off, try replacing its batteries and try again. If that doesn’t work again, you may need a new smoke detector installation.
- Abnormal and inconsistent beeping: Irregular beeping can also be caused by battery issues. Check the battery compartment on the smoke detector to make sure the battery is not faced the wrong way and is placed inside properly, sealed, and secured. Remember to replace your batteries twice per year. Natural causes like the weather can also cause beeping to occur. Make sure to not let too much hot or cold air into your house. This is an obvious statement, but make sure your smoke detector is clean. Maintenance is key to everything. If the smoke detector is treated with care, you will most likely have fewer problems on your hands throughout the year.
Now that you’re educated on why your smoke detector chirps at times, you will know what to do when the time is right. With Mr. Electric by your side, you won’t have to worry about problems concerning your smoke detectors anymore.
