Safety · fix it
Smoke alarm chirping? Here's what to do first
A chirp is usually a battery or an expired unit. A sounding CO alarm is never something to investigate from inside the house.
Call a pro
Do the safe first steps below, then get a licensed professional for the repair itself.
Beginner About 30 min
A sounding carbon monoxide alarm means leave the building immediately and call 911 from outside. Do not look for the source yourself.
Video: Kevin Jones, KJ Facilities Maintenance (YouTube)
What to do, in order
- Step 1: If a CO alarm is actually sounding, get everyone outside first and call 911 from outside.
- Step 2: For a single chirp every minute, replace the battery even in hardwired units.
- Step 3: Read the manufacture date on the back: smoke alarms expire at ten years, CO alarms at five to seven.
- Step 4: Press and hold the test button on each alarm once a month.
- Step 5: Replace expired units with a matching type — photoelectric near kitchens, and CO on every sleeping level.
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