Found yourself with a beeping smoke alarm? Will the smoke alarm not stop beeping? Figuring out the reason can be tricky. Lucky for you, here are some common solutions that will stop your smoke detector from beeping.

A non-stop beeping fire alarm can be annoying, especially when unexpected and for no real-fire reason such as in the middle of night. We know smoke detectors are essential in nearly every single room of your home as they can prevent a catastrophe; however, it is possible that they do not work properly sometimes, as many other home appliances. Unfortunately, when triggered a smoke alarm makes an annoying, chirping sound.

How to Turn Off Smoke Alarm

To stop your smoke alarm from beeping, there are a few simple solutions you can try, even if the causes are too many. So, before you lose it, give the next tactics a try if your fire alarm will not stop beeping.

1) Try Resetting the Fire Alarm

Here is our first solution on how to get a smoke detector to stop beeping. The old technique of resetting could always do the trick, just as in any other gadget. So, before you consider replacing the batteries or even getting a new model, try this. Nevertheless, it could be difficult to reset a smoke alarm. Here is how to turn off smoke alarm by resetting it:

1. Get where your circuit breaker is and turn the power off to the fire alarm.
2. Disconnect the power supply by detaching the detector from its mounting bracket. As some smoke detectors do not need batteries, the power source will be removed when you disassemble it from your ceiling.
3. In case your fire alarm uses a battery, remove it.
4. Keep the test button pressed for 15 to 20 seconds (with the battery out).
5. Put the battery back inside the fire alarm and reconnect the power supply.
6. Turn on the power to the fire alarm at your circuit breaker.
7. Reconnect the breaker to its mounting bracket.

There is a version of this process below that is easier to understand. The smoke alarm should beep once again after being reset. Change the batteries if the chirping does not stop.

2) Replace the Batteries

If our first suggestion on how to stop smoke alarm from chirping did not work, you can read what is next. Replacing the batteries will stop that irritating sound caused by your fire alarm in most cases.  The batteries in your smoke alarm should be replaced every six months. There are many chances the batteries are causing that annoying beeping if it has been longer.

Pay attention to the charge and how it is placed before you take the old battery out. The chirping will not stop if the old battery is replaced with one of a different charge or if the new battery is in the wrong position. Basically, copying what was already in the fire alarm is what you must do.

3) Dust your Smoke Alarm

The problem might be something else if there are not any batteries in your smoke detector. Our next solution will tell you how to stop smoke detector from chirping without battery. When there is no battery, dust could make a fire alarm chirp. Hence, there should be no dust or remains in your fire alarm so it can work properly. Unfortunately, even if there is a fire, there is a risk of malfunction if cobwebs, spiders, or any other invader managed to get inside your smoke alarm. Smoke alarm awareness should be raised, especially during construction, as it is very common that dust and debris make your fire alarm chirp.

You can try using an air blower like those used for keyboards and blow inside the vents if your alarm keeps chirping without a battery. While replacing your batteries, you can try this too to stop fire alarm.

4) Try Testing the Silent Button

Testing your fire alarm is never off the table, so it is another of our suggestions on how to disable smoke alarm beeping. Unfortunately, the tests could give you a terrible headache, as sometimes the smoke alarm will chirp on and on. Also, the test/silent button could be pressed, even by accident. Whatever the reason is, if the smoke detector keeps chirping after trying the three previous solutions, detach the smoke alarm and test it with the batteries removed.

5) Get a New Fire Alarm

You guessed it, fire alarms do not last forever. The device should be replaced if it is older than 10 years. It is very likely you need a new smoke alarm if you have already tried the four previous suggestions on how to turn off fire alarm and none of them worked.

Lucky for you, you can shop for smoke alarms at local hardware stores i.e. The Home Depot, Lowes, Walgreens, etc. most fire alarms in less than $20. If your fire alarm is older than 10 years, do not put your family’s safety at risk for $20. The importance of smoke alarms is unquestionable.

The Meaning of Fire Alarm Sounds

Fire alarms’ noises tend to have similar meanings, even when most of them differ from each other. For instance, your smoke detector’s beeping will be continuous if there is a fire. It is possible that the batteries are low if it beeps with spaces. However, you should check the manual or manufacture’s website to figure out the sound’s meaning correctly. Also, you could find suggestions there on how to turn off smoke alarm.

Why Are Smoke Alarms Used?

Fire alarms prevent catastrophes; nevertheless, they need proper care as well as several other home supplies. Nonetheless, the annoying smoke alarm beeping will never again be a pain in the neck for you, as now you know how to turn off smoke alarm in five different ways.

Responses to common questions about fire alarms

Check below to see answers to common questions we get from community residents about home fire alarms.

1) What kinds of fire alarms can I get?

They can be classified in two basic types: ionization and photoelectric (even if there are several brands of fire alarms available).

Different types of fires can be detected by ionization and photoelectric fire alarms. The USFA makes the following recommendations (as there cannot be a prediction on what type of fire might start) for every place and home where people sleep:

• Have both ionization AND photoelectric fire alarms. OR
• Have dual sensor fire alarms, that include both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors

Interconnected alarms should be chosen, as all of them sound when one of them does.

Alarms for people with loss of hearing are also available. To alert those who are unable to hear regular fire alarms when they start beeping, these alarms might include strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to warn them. Commercial smoke alarms are available for commercial settings.

2) Are smoke detectors costly?

Smoke detectors are worth the catastrophes they can prevent and are not expensive.

Types and prices

• Ionization and photoelectric: starting at $6
• Dual sensor: starting at $24
• Fire alarms that are faster to alert and have fewer false alarms (include a microprocessor): starting at $30
• Wireless fire alarms that communicate using radio frequency: starting at $40

 

A specific type of alarm might be required at your city, county, or state. To know what type of detector you need, please ask your local fire marshal.

Fire alarms are sometimes offered by some fire departments in a reduced cost or even for free. For more information, please contact your local fire department (non-emergency phone number).

 

3) What Powers a Smoke Detector?

Batteries or your home’s electrical system can power your fire alarms. Normally for batteries, a disposable 9volt battery (lasts several years) or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium. The back-up battery that is usually in hardwired alarms (the ones that get power from your home’s electrical system) will need to be changed one time every year.

 

4) Where should I attach smoke detectors in my house?

• The spread of smoke, heat and fire might be slower due to a closed door, so smoke detectors should be placed inside and outside each room where people sleep. Detectors should be also placed on every level of the house, and they should be connected to one another. All of them beep when one beeps.
• Smoke detectors should be put on the ceiling or high on the wall. To know the best place for your detector, review the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Hardwired fire alarms should only be installed by qualified electricians.

Battery-operated fire alarms will be installed in your house at no cost by some fire departments. For more information, please contact your local fire department (non-emergency phone number).

 

5) What can I do to take care of my fire alarm?

Does your fire alarm keep working properly? No having fire alarm at all is just the same as having a fire alarm with a dead or lost battery. Only fire alarms that are properly installed and regularly tested can work. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions to take care of your fire alarm. You can find some general maintenance tips below.

9volt battery powered fire alarm

• Run a test every month.
• Batteries must be replaced at least one time per year.
• The whole fire alarm must be replaced after 10 years.

Long-life (10-year lithium) battery powered fire alarm

• Run a test every month.
• According to the manufacturer’s instructions, replace the whole fire alarm, as you cannot nor should not replace the lithium battery.

Hardwired into home’s electrical system fire alarm

• Run a test every month.
• Back-up battery must be replaced at least one time per year.
• The whole fire alarm must be replaced after 10 years.

 

6) My fire alarm beeps when I cook, what should I do?

While cooking, your fire alarm’s battery must never be taken out. Do not remove the battery if lots of steam from cooking or showering make the fire alarm sound. Here are some suggestions on how to get smoke alarm to stop beeping:

• A window or a door should be opened, and the “hush” button should be pressed.
• To clear the air, a towel should be waved at the smoke detector.
• The whole smoke detector should be moved a long distance from the kitchen or bathroom.

It could be a fatal mistake to disable a smoke detector or remove its battery. Feel free to comment any rules fo thumb, additional tips, or functionalities of smoke detectors.