Wednesday, November 2, 2011  In addition to replacing the smoke detector batteries every six months or so, you should also consider replacing the entire smoke detector 5 to 7 years.
Smoke detectors beep or chirp not just when they needed a new battery but also when the smoke detector needed to be replaced.

Smoke Detectors..... Let’s go through a quick checklist of things you can do to try to figure out why your smoke detector is chirping regularly:

1. Is there Smoke? If there is smoke, get out of the house. If there is no smoke, go to step 2!

2. Check the Batteries: Obviously this is the first thing to check and replace. Don’t use rechargeable or “cheapy” batteries here. All the smoke detectors I’ve ever seen want alkaline batteries. I don’t usually splurge for “name brand” batteries, but I do for my smoke detectors. Use a new, fresh pack from the store. Really. It does make a difference.

3. Check the Expiration Date: As you just read, smoke detectors and other devices like them usually have expiration dates. Even if you’re off by a year or so, you’re probably better off replacing the whole unit ahead of schedule.

4. Clean It Out: Yes, smoke detectors usually mount on the ceiling or in high places, but that doesn’t mean they are immune from dust collection, cobwebs or even nesting bugs and spiders. When you have your smoke detector down you can try blowing it out with a can of compressed air.

5. Read the Manual: Don’t still have the manual? You can find most online now if you use Google and search for the brand of the smoke detector as well as the model. Still can’t find it? Go to step 6.

6. Call the Manufacturer: This is sort of a last resort and they will likely tell you to do some of the same things that are listed here. That being said, they might have some other tricks or they might know if a particular batch of smoke detectors had any issues or recalls.

If you need any assistance, please call the fire station at 847-336-1080.