How to Stop a Smoke Alarm From Beeping

Smoke alarms are an important safety device designed to sense the presence of smoke, oftentimes meaning a fire has broken out.  If it works as intended, a smoke alarm beeps to warn of a fire hazard.  If a smoke alarm beeps for no reason, it is a simply a nuisance.  Luckily, there are a few ways to stop a smoke alarms from beeping.

Clean the Dust Out

 1.  Dismount alarm from wall or ceiling.  

 2.  Blow into the fire sensor to clean out any dust build-up.  If beeping ceases put the alarm back into place.  If beeping continues, proceed to step three.  

 3.  Clean the sensor by using a vacuum.  If beeping ceases put the alarm back into place.  If beeping continues, proceed to step four.  

 4.  Go to your local electronics store.

 5.  Buy a can of compressed air.  The cans are normally used to clean computer keyboards. 

 6.  Return home.

 7.  Clean the sensor using the can of compressed air.      

 8.  Return the alarm to its mount.  

Reset the Alarm

 1.  Dismount smoke alarm.  

 2.  Locate the red reset button.  Although many times the red reset button is located on the front of the alarm, certain manufacturer’s place it on the back.  

 3.  Hold down this reset button for ten seconds and release.  

 4.  Wait an hour to ensure the beeping has stopped.

 5.  Return the alarm to its mount. 

 Check the Battery

 1.  Dismount smoke alarm.  

 2.  Take out the battery. It will be located on the back.

 3.  Replace the battery with a new one.  

 4.  Return the alarm to its mount.

If none of the previous steps work, the smoke alarm could simply be defective. If you find yourself with a malfunctioning alarm, it is best to replace the alarm with one that works properly.