How to Get Fire Alarms to Stop Beeping

Fire alarms are a necessity in every home, and they can save your life in the case of a fire-related emergency. One or more fire alarms inside your house may start beeping even if there is no fire in the area around the alarm. The sound emanating from the fire alarm can be extremely annoying and keep you from sleeping at night. Replacing a beeping fire alarm can be avoided by fixing whatever is causing the alarm to beep unnecessarily.

Things You'll Need

• New battery or batteries
• Towel
• Compressed air, vacuum cleaner attachment or dry cloth

Instructions

1. Check the area near the fire alarm to ensure there is no actual fire. This should always be the first step whenever you hear a fire alarm beeping.

2. Change the fire alarm's battery or batteries. A fire alarm will beep intermittently when a change of battery is required.

3. Reset the fire alarm by pressing the “Test” button on the fire alarm. Doing so clears the alarm's memory and can stop the alarm from beeping.

4. Wave a hand or towel in front of the fire alarm to clear the air in front of the alarm. This is extremely useful if you have been cooking or taking a steamy shower near the fire alarm.

5. Inspect the area near the fire alarm's sensor and clear the area if necessary. Dust, dirt and even insects (such as spiders or flies) can infiltrate the area, causing the alarm to begin beeping. Clear the area utilizing compressed air, a vacuum cleaner attachment or a dry cloth.

6. Stabilize the temperature in your home. Extreme changes in temperature can trigger fire alarms, causing them to beep.

Tips & Warnings

• If the fire alarm continues to beep after you have attempted all of the above fixes, the alarm is likely either faulty or it is time to replace the alarm. More expensive alarms can be taken to an electrician. According to the United States Fire Administration, fire alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

References

• Smoke Alarm Pro: How to Stop a Smoke Alarm From Beeping
• Think Glink: Faulty Smoke Detectors - How to Get the Smoke Detector to Stop Beeping
• USFA: Smoke Alarms