How Do I Stop My First Alert Alarm From Chirping or Beeping?

Does the manufacturer's date on my alarm have anything to do with my alarm chirping?

There are multiple factors that can trigger alarm chirping. The battery is always an excellent place to start when identifying the problem. While First Alert Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms offer lasting protection in the 5 to 10 year range, it’s important to realize that these detectors don’t last forever. It would be unreasonable for anyone to anticipate the exact moment when their alarm needs to be replaced. That’s why every First Alert Detector includes a manufacturer's date printed on the back of the alarm. It’s a helpful indicator that provides an accurate timeline for when the unit should be replaced. If your detector has surpassed its 7 to 10 year manufacture’s date and continues to randomly chirp, it’s definitely time to replace the unit.

I’ve installed a new battery and my alarm is still chirping. What now?

Oddly enough, your old battery may still be interfering with your alarm. It’s called a residual charge and it’s something that can be cleared by resetting the unit. If you’ve replaced the alarm with a new battery and it’s still chirping, we’d recommend taking the following steps to remove the old charge.

• You’ll want to begin by removing the alarm from the ceiling or wall. Once removed, open the cover/latch or slide the drawer open to take out the battery.

• All First Alert Alarms come with a Test Button. With the battery removed from the unit, press and hold this button for 30 seconds. This will fully reset the alarm, removing the residual charge of the previous battery.

• Reinsert the battery and then press the Test Button. A loud beep will notify you that the alarm is functioning.

Is the location of my detector causing alarm chirps?

This is another strong possibility. We can definitely understand a willingness to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in as many areas as possible. It can be counterproductive though as certain locations in a home will not allow the detector to operate effectively, causing nuisance alarms in the process. Here is a list of areas and instances that you’ll generally want to avoid when installing an alarm.

• High Humidity Areas can trigger nuisance alarms. Ionization smoke alarms in particular can be susceptible to this as they will sense humidity in a similar style of sensing smoke. That’s why bathrooms should usually be avoided. Windows can also be opened on particularly humid days to alleviate this.

• HVAC Vents can act as natural disruption as they’ll interfere with an alarm’s sensing chamber. Alarms installed near a cold air return are more susceptible to nuisance alarms due to dusty air being directed towards the detector.

• Dust can play a huge role in effecting your smoke alarm. That’s why so many First Alert Alarms come equipped with a dust cover. Even then, dust can gather inside of the cover. This is especially harmful as an alarm can look immaculate on the outside, but be riddled with dust under the cover. It’s generally a good idea to inspect alarms for dust or other contaminants that may damage their sensing.

• Direct Sunlight can interfere with an alarm’s sensing capabilities. This is especially true for photoelectric alarms as bright sunlight entering the chamber can interfere with the sensor. Always avoid installing a smoke alarm in a location that features a path to direct sunlight.

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