Why Are Your Smoke Detectors Chirping?

Smoke alarms are an essential safety feature in residential and commercial structures. When there is a fire in your home or business, a smoke alarm notifies occupants and communicates that evacuation measures should be followed immediately. A properly functioning smoke alarm can be the difference between a safe evacuation and a dire set of circumstances that can result in serious injury or death.

Unfortunately, smoke alarms don’t always work the way they should, especially when they are not cared for properly. It is likely that you have experienced a smoke alarm that won’t stop chirping, and if this is a recurring problem, you are probably wondering why this happens and how you can fix it. Thankfully, there are several reasons why this may be happening, and you can usually troubleshoot this on your own without having to reach out to a residential electrician in Trumbull, CT:

• Battery tab is still intact: New smoke alarms often come with battery tabs that must be removed once they are installed. If they are not removed, your smoke alarm may continue to make a beeping sound.
• Battery is dying: Because of how important it is that your smoke alarm has a fully charged battery, alarms are designed to make a persistent beeping sound when the battery begins to run low. If it’s been a while since you last changed the battery, you should try replacing your battery right away to see if that resolves the problem.
• Alternate sources of noise: When you begin to hear that telltale chirping sound, you might immediately think that your smoke alarm is the culprit, even though there are other appliances that could potentially be at fault. Carbon monoxide detectors, security systems and other alarms can make similar noises. Make sure you identify that the noise is actually coming from your smoke detector before you proceed.
• Outdated or damaged detector: In some cases, you might need to replace your smoke detector altogether to rid yourself of the chirping sound. Newer smoke detectors will be able to more effectively alert you in the event of a fire.
• Changes in temperature: Believe it or not, temperature fluctuation can actually cause smoke alarm chirping. If the indoor temperature becomes extremely high or low, your smoke alarm can register this as a problem, and it will begin chirping to alert you.

It’s critical that your smoke detector is always kept in the best condition possible, and this includes maintaining your home’s electricity and wiring. No matter what kind of electrical work you need done, New England Electrical Contracting, Inc. is the team to call for help. We provide a wide range of services, including electrical sales, installation, service and repair. We have over 50 years of combined experience in the industry and we continue to provide each of the customers we serve with the highest quality workmanship available. Contact us today to find out more about the comprehensive services that we provide and to schedule an appointment with a residential electrician in Trumbull, CT.