Residential
Explore
Silence a chirping smoke alarm by replacing its battery. Keeping your smoke alarms in working order is crucial for your safety.
Step 1: Understanding your smoke alarm
It's common in apartments to have smoke alarms that are hardwired into the electrical system and have a backup battery. If your smoke alarm starts chirping, it’s usually a sign that the backup battery is low and requires a technician to inspect. If this is the case, please contact your property manager.
Regardless if your smoke alarm is hardwired or battery operated, if your smoke alarm has been serviced by a qualified technician within the past 12 months, please advise your property manager so they may organise the technician to re-attend under warranty.
Step 2: Safety first
If you have a battery operated smoke alarm, make sure you have a fresh 9-volt battery or the specific type recommended by the manufacturer. If you need to use a ladder, ensure it’s stable and placed on a flat surface. Always follow the safety guidelines when working at height.
Step 3: Locate the smoke alarm
Find the smoke alarm that’s chirping or due for a battery change. Unclip the smoke alarm from the ceiling. Most smoke alarms have a small door or panel that covers the battery compartment at the rear of the alarm. You can usually open this by sliding or gently prying it open with your fingers.
Step 4: Replace the battery
Once the compartment is open, carefully remove the old battery. Insert the new battery, ensuring the positive and negative terminals align with the markings inside the compartment. Once the battery is in place, close the battery compartment door securely.
Step 6: Test the smoke alarm
After replacing the battery, press the test button on the smoke alarm to ensure it’s working properly. You should hear a loud beep, which indicates that the alarm is functioning correctly. Re-fit the battery back into the ceiling bracket.
Step 7: Silencing a chirping smoke alarm
If your smoke alarm is chirping, replacing the battery should stop the noise. If it continues to chirp after replacing the battery, double-check that the battery is installed correctly and that the compartment is fully closed. Some alarms may require a reset—this can usually be done by pressing and holding the test button for a few seconds.
Step 8: Regular maintenance
To keep your smoke alarms in top condition, test them monthly and replace the battery every six to twelve months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance ensures your smoke alarms are ready to protect you and your family in case of a fire. Residential rental providers are also required to service your smoke alarms every 12 months.
If you’re unable to stop the chirping or if the alarm doesn’t work even after replacing the battery, contact your property manager for assistance.
By regularly changing your smoke alarm batteries and addressing any issues promptly, you’re helping to keep your home safe. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your property manager.