There are a few possible causes for your smoke alarm to keep chirping even with a new battery. It might be time to buy a new detector. Check the date of manufacture printed on the back of your alarm to confirm it's not expired. Most alarms expire 7-10 years after the manufacture date.
When a smoke detector keeps beeping even after replacing its battery, it can mean that there is something preventing it from detecting the battery. It can also mean that there are too many system errors overwhelming its processor. You can try resetting the smoke alarm to manually clear the error from the processor.
It could be that the new battery is not up to the charge it should have. Rechargeable batteries should not be used for this reason. If it continues to bleep after a very fresh battery is inserted the detector must have become contaminated so replace the whole alarm.
Disconnect all power sources (take out the battery, if it is a plug in alarm remove it from the outlet, and if it is hardwired alarm disconnect it from any wiring). Hold the test/silence button for 20 seconds. Reconnect all power sources (put the new battery in, plug back into the outlet...
If you've installed a new battery and the alarm continues to beep, drain any residual charge from the unit. Remove the unit from the ceiling and remove its battery, then hold the test button for 15 seconds. Next, replace the battery.
Some smoke alarms have a processor that retains certain error conditions, such as a weak battery. The error condition should reset when the battery is replaced, but sometimes it doesn't and must be manually reset to clear the error.
Dust and debris can easily accumulate inside your hard-wired smoke alarm, causing that incessant chirping sound. This build-up can interfere with the sensing chamber, triggering false alarms. To prevent this, make a habit of cleaning your smoke detectors regularly.
Press and hold the test/silence button for 20 seconds. You'll find this on the front of your detector. Reconnect all power sources (reconnect the wiring or plug back into the outlet). Your alarm should now be reset.
Hardwired smoke detectors can still beep even if there is no battery. Possibly the backup battery might have been activated and that can signal a problem. The backup battery may have run out and that is causing your hardwired smoke detector to chirp.
You can silence the low battery warning “chirp” by pressing the Test/Silence button on the alarm cover.
Will a smoke alarm eventually stop chirping? A smoke alarm will eventually stop chirping if it stops detecting smoke or if the condition that created the false alarm is fixed. For example, if dust and debris is causing your alarm to sound, cleaning it will stop it from chirping.
Test smoke alarms every month by pressing their test buttons. If your alarms use regular batteries, swap in fresh batteries at least once a year. A “chirping” sound means that it's time to change batteries. Because alarm sensors wear out, replace each alarm at least every 10 years.
The beeping sound the low battery alarm makes can become very annoying but can be disconnected by removing the drained battery from your home alarm system panel. Make sure to replace the drained battery with a new one to keep your home alarm system functioning properly.
Use thumb to pull deactivation tab outward until tab snaps into place. This will discharge the powercell and deactivate the unit.
If a smoke alarm with sealed back-up battery is not out-of-date, shows the green light and still beeps occasionally, press the test button for more than 10 seconds to reset the alarm. If this does not help then you will need to replace your detector head.
All alarms have a shelf life and may chirp when they've reached their end-of-life. If your alarm is older than 10+ years, it's time for a replacement. Chirping in newer alarms is most commonly caused by a low battery.
If you replaced the battery and it's still beeping, the smoke detector might have expired like milk. Smoke detectors have an expiration date. The sensitive equipment inside can only work reliably for so long, so if yours is beeping and its expiration date has passed (or will in a year or two), it's time to replace it.
Low Battery or End-of-Life: This type of chirp indicates it is time to replace your smoke alarm's batteries or the smoke alarm itself.
You should replace the battery in your hardwired smoke detector at least once a year or sooner if you hear the low battery chirp. Even sealed lithium battery units should be checked regularly.
Clear Residual Charge to Stop the Chirp
Remove the alarm from your ceiling or wall. Open the cover and take out the battery. Press and hold the test button for 15-30 seconds. This will fully reset the smoke alarm and drain any charge left inside.
A flashing green light is a normal part of the power up cycle. Any time there is a power outage, brownout, surge or other problem with the power, the alarm goes through a power up cycle.
The smoke alarm will automatically reset after approximately 8 minutes unless particles of combustion are still present. The “Hush” feature can be used repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm. Pushing the Test/Hush button on the alarm will end the hush period.
This chirping happens every 30 to 60 seconds for at least seven days. When you hear this, it means the battery needs replacing.
If your smoke detectors are yellowing, chirping non-stop, or going off unexpectedly, it's time to call in our electrical pros from Integrity Home Solutions. We can inspect and replace hardwired smoke detectors or install them if you don't have them in place already. Don't take a chance on your family's safety.