Why does my smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector chirp?

Chirping is the smoke alarms audible warning to the home owner of a problem.  Typically a smoke detector will chirp every 60 seconds indicating the need to replace the battery.  Chirping is also an indication the alarm is failing and should be replaced.  If replacing the battery in your detector does not eliminate the chirping, contact Smoke Detector Services.  We have over 20 years of experience working with smoke detectors and can solve your alarm issues, providing you the Peace of Mind you deserve.

How often should I change the battery?

The batteries in smoke detectors should be changed once a year.  The manufacturer’s also recommend cleaning your detectors at this time.  Call Smoke Detector Services and we will perform a thorough inspection of your detectors, clean them, replace the batteries and sync your detectors.

How often should I test my detectors?

Most manufacturers recommend weekly testing.  Located on each detector there is a “Press to Test” button used to test the detector.  Simply press it and hold for 15 seconds to ensure it is communicating with the other detectors.

When should I replace my smoke or carbon monoxide detectors?

Smoke detector manufacturers and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggest replacing smoke detectors every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors (CO) every 10 years.  WHY?  The sensor degrades at a rate of about 5-6% a year, after 10 years the effectiveness of the detector has degraded 50-60% resulting in a >50% failure rate.  Carbon monoxide detectors literally STOP detecting CO, placing your family in a possible hazardous living environment.

How many smoke detectors do I need to have?

The building codes vary by State. In Missouri, the International Residential Code (2015 IRC) is the standard followed by all home builders and code enforcement officials to govern smoke and CO alarm installation and location placement. Smoke/CO alarm manufacturers and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggest placing alarms inside each bedroom, outside in the hallway that provides access to bedrooms and on each level of the home (basement). If the hallway is fourteen feet or longer, there should be one on each end.  If you aren’t sure, Smoke Detector Services is a “code compliant” company and can recommend the best location for all of your detectors.

Hardwired detectors versus Battery-Operated only detectors?

Hardwired detectors are typically Interconnected and will alert each other when they are activated, ultimately alerting all occupants in the home of the potentially life threatening hazard. Battery-Operated only detectors can not!  However, there is technology available today to provide owners of homes that do not have hard wire detectors the ability to provide their families the much needed protection of Interconnected detectors.  The wireless, interconnected, WiFi, intelligent smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are now available.  The alarms do NOT use your homes WiFi. These detectors use proprietary WiFi technology to communicate with each other. Smoke Detector Services carries this equipment and can install it in your home today.