Why is my smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm chirping?
Why is my smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm chirping?The fire department comes along and installs a new smoke alarm in the hallway — or maybe it’s a carbon monoxide alarm. Either way, the thing starts chirping a few months later. What’s up?Answer: Usually, when a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm is chirping (one quick little beep every 2 minutes or so), it means the battery is dying. Even if your smoke alarm is attached to your electrical system, it should have a battery backup. When that battery is getting low, the alarm chirps to let you know. It’s important not to ignore the chirping, that’s why it’s so annoying. If you ignore it long enough, it will stop — because the battery is dead and you’re no longer protected! So when the chirping starts, pick up a battery at the store and swap it out. If you’re not sure how to do it, contact the manufacturer, ask the guy at the hardware store or call the nonemergency line at the fire department for advice. Do not call 911 because you
