Since you’ve read the user’s manual, you already know the basics of a smoke detector. However, it’s time to change the battery, and you notice that it keeps on beeping. You’re dumbfounded.
So, why is your smoke detector still beeping after changing the battery? Your smoke detector is still beeping after changing the battery because the errors are still in the processor, and you should manually reset your unit to clear the processor. This problem usually occurs in an electricity-powered smoke alarm with a battery backup.
For electric smoke alarms with battery backup, Wirechief Electric Ltd owner Octavio Sosa recommends first turning off the main circuit breaker before dismounting the unit from its bracket. Then, disconnect the power cable from the smoke detector. Finally, remove the battery before pressing the test button for 15 seconds.
| Brands of Smoke Detector | Battery or Electric | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Kidde Smoke Detector | Electric | 10 years |
| Kidde Smoke Detector Powered by Battery | Battery | 3 years |
| First Alert SA303CN3 | Battery | 10 years |
| Siterwell Smoke Detector | Battery | not indicated |
| X-sense Smoke Detector | Battery | 5 years |
I recommend the Kidde Smoke Detector that is available on Amazon. Click here for pricing.
The alarm will go off momentarily before silencing. Next, put the battery and power cable back before mounting the unit to its bracket. Then, turn on the circuit breaker. You can expect the smoke alarm to chirp once to signal that there’s already power.
How To Reset the Smoke Detector
A smoke detector can save lives, but you should replace the battery if it keeps beeping. However, if it constantly beeps after replacing the battery, you can follow the following:
If you own an electric smoke detector that includes a battery backup, do the following:
- Ensure to turn off the main circuit breaker of your home to prevent electrocution.
- Disconnect the power cable and unmount the alarm.
- Remove the battery, then long-press on the test button for about 15 seconds. You can expect the alarm to sound before turning silent briefly.
- Replace the battery before reconnecting the power cable. You should return the smoke detector to its mounting bracket.
- Turn on the circuit breaker. You can hear your alarm detector chirp once to signal that it’s already up and running.
However, if you have the battery-powered type, you should follow these steps:
- Take out the battery from the unit.
- Long-press the test button for 15 minutes. You should hear the alarm shortly before it turns silent.
- Replace the battery. It would help if you listened to the smoke alarm chirp, meaning it’s already functional.
In some cases, when you can’t reset your smoke detector, try buying a new one. Many smoke alarms have an expiry date of seven to ten years after their manufacture date. You can search for the date of manufacture at the back of your unit.
How To Stop Your Smoke Detector from Chirping
Several factors are causing your smoke detector to chirp, but you can follow the following steps to pinpoint and fix the problem.
Change malfunctioning batteries. If you’re clueless, check these short steps:
- Remove the cover for the battery. Some models pop off, and others twist off. The rest have screws.
- Change the old battery for a fresh one. Remember to match the positive and negative marks.
- Press the test button to verify if it works.
- If you have already changed the battery but still hear the alarm chirping, you should drain the unit’s residual charge. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the battery.
- Do a long press on the test button for 15 seconds.
- Put back the battery.
- If you already did the first two steps unsuccessfully, try to clean your smoke alarm. Here are the steps to cleaning it:
- Remove the unit’s faceplate, then use the vacuum cleaner’s soft brush attachment to eliminate the dust and dirt. Remember to use light force so as not to damage your smoke alarm.
- Use a wipe to clean the exterior, especially the vents. If you don’t have commercial wipes, you can use a soft, clean cloth with a mild detergent.
- Using compressed monthly to clean your smoke detector can ensure you get rid of dust that the wipe or vacuum cleaner can’t reach.
- Replace the unit.
If the first three steps fail to stop your smoke alarm from chirping, you should consider buying a new one.
I Took the Battery Out of My Smoke Detector and It Still Beeps
If you took the battery out of your smoke detector and it still beeps, the microprocessor in it has not cleared the error after you changed the battery. You should reset your unit by pressing the test button until the chirping stops.
A hardwired smoke alarm has a backup battery that keeps the unit functioning in case there’s no electricity. I recommend the Kidde Hardwired Smoke Detector that is available on Amazon. Click to see current pricing. However, your unit chirps if the battery cell turns low in charge. You should replace it, but if the smoke alarm beeps intermittently, you should check the battery placement.
The unit’s terminals and the battery may not be making complete contact. So you should ensure that you’ve correctly placed the battery. If your smoke detector beeps for ten minutes and stops after installing the new battery, it’s perfectly normal.
Some models have a microprocessor that doesn’t clear the error even if you replace the battery. So the best action is to reset your unit by long-pressing on the test button until the chirping stops. Your smoke alarm should be okay after clearing the error.
You may also disconnect and reconnect your unit. However, you should turn off the main power before attempting to dislodge the smoke alarm from the ceiling to disconnect the power cable. Next, remove the battery before pressing the test button until the unit no longer beeps. Then, put back the battery before reconnecting the power cable and attaching the smoke detector back to its mounting bracket. Finally, you may turn on the power from the breaker box.
Suppose you have a battery-operated smoke detector that still beeps after replacing the battery. In that case, you should use another battery because new batteries may lose their charge, especially in a cold place.
Why Is My Hardwired Smoke Detector Beeping?
Your hardwired smoke detector is beeping because it’s warning you about replacing the battery inside. Many models have either 9-volt or 2 AA/AAA batteries, which serve as a backup power source if there’s no electricity. It would be best to change them immediately.
After replacing the battery, remember to long-press the test button to hear the beep sound temporarily to indicate that the smoke detector functions properly. However, if the unit chirps incessantly, it should warn you that the battery isn’t the problem. You should check for a malfunctioning sensor next.
It would help if you cleaned the sensor but ensure to turn off the power before removing the outer cover. Then, use a vacuum cleaner or air blower to clean the unit’s interior to remove the gunk, dirt, or dust blocking the sensor and causing the smoke detector to chirp and beep. Moreover, a dirty device can result in false alarms; therefore, you should keep it clean.
Extreme moisture and heat can also cause your hardwired smoke detector to beep. Thick smoke and humidity have the same particle density; therefore, it can fool your unit into believing a steamy shower is a cause for alarm. If you’ve incorrectly placed your device near a bathroom or where there could be too much moisture, you should relocate the unit elsewhere. It would help if you didn’t put smoke detectors near fireplaces, laundry rooms, and furnaces.
If you’ve already replaced the battery, cleaned the unit, and relocated your smoke alarm, but it still beeps, you should consider replacing your old unit. Your smoke detector has reached its useful life if you’ve had it for the past eight or ten years. You should buy a new one and replace the old unit immediately to ensure the device protects you and your property against fire. I recommend the smoke and carbon monoxide hard-wired detector by First Alert that is available on Amazon. Click here to have yours delivered to your home.
Why Is My Kidde Smoke Alarm Beeping?
Your Kidde smoke alarm is beeping because there’s a fire in your home, especially if it’s a loud, continuous sound. It detects combustible products; therefore, the alarm goes off. It won’t stop the pulsating alarm unless you’ve cleared the air. It would help not to ignore a warning. Check if there’s a fire.
If there’s no fire, it’s a false alarm. Here are some more reasons why your Kidde smoke alarm beeps.
For consistent or intermittent chirping, the following are the reasons:
- It would be best to change the battery.
You’ll know if it’s a battery issue if the smoke detector chirps every 30 to 40 seconds for at least seven days. However, some models can consistently beep every minute. If you experience it, you should replace the battery to confirm if it’s a problem.
- You have a malfunctioning unit or a defective battery.
If you see a flashing red LED with consistent chirping, you should long-press the test button for at least two seconds. If the alarm doesn’t sound, you should have your unit checked for other failures. Finally, you should call Kidde for support.
- The smoke alarm sensor is dirty.
For hardwired smoke detectors, something interferes with your unit’s sensor; thus, you should clean it. First, you should disconnect the smoke alarm and remove the battery if it’s removable. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate dirt, dust, or any particles. Next, aim the crevice tool attachment between the back plate and the front cover. You may also work with compressed air to blow through the gap.
- Other environmental factors like steam and humidity
You should also check for condensation, steam, and high humidity levels because they can cause consistent beeping. Finally, you should relocate your alarm, especially if you installed it in an uninsulated electrical box on a ceiling under the attic.
- There’s an electrical issue.
Power surges can cause the smoke detector to chirp. You should investigate if the unit chirps when you turn on an electric appliance, especially if they have the same circuit. It would help if you moved your smoke alarm to another route. On the other hand, if you have a hardwired smoke alarm, you should contact an electrician to investigate the problem.
- The smoke alarm needs replacement because it has reached its useful life.
If you have the sealed battery model, it’s time to replace the unit if it chirps every 30 seconds.
- Interference
The Kidde wireless alarm will go into a full warning, even if there’s no smoke and you haven’t activated the test buttons because your unit may be receiving interference signals from other systems nearby. You should check your user’s manual to pick a different dipswitch pattern.
Will Taking the Battery Out of a Smoke Detector Stop the Beeping
Taking the battery out of a smoke detector won’t stop the beeping because it has a residual charge that can power the chirp for more than seven days. If you prefer that your unit stops chirping after you remove the battery, you should press the test button for 15 seconds to drain the residual charge.
While taking out the battery to stop the unit from sounding the alarm may be tempting, you should only do so when replacing the worn-out battery with a new one. It would be best if you replaced it every six months. In addition, many fire safety associations and smoke detector manufacturers suggest you change it when you reset your clock for Daylight Savings Time, so you won’t forget.
On the other hand, if the smoke detector continuously produces false alarms or intermittently chirps or beeps, you should find the reason and fix it. For example, if it goes off while cooking or taking a hot shower, you can open a window to let fresh air in or relocate the unit to another spot. The device will also chirp if it’s dirty or something gets inside. It would help if you vacuumed your smoke alarm or used compressed air to eliminate the dirt, grime, or even dead insects inside.
Moreover, to stop your smoke alarm from beeping, you don’t have to take off the batteries. Most models now have a silencing/hush button and will quiet the interconnected system. If you push the knob, it will immediately silence all the connected smoke detectors, except when there’s debris and smoke. However, it will reset in eight minutes, but you can press the silence button repeatedly. If the air is already clean, you can end the hush period by pressing the button again.