Dear Jane,

I have a 5 year old house that is wired with smoke detectors. They all have back up batteries. Upstairs I have 3 bedrooms and a small hall/landing all with smoke detectors. The one in the hall began to chirp at odd times for 4 chirps then stop. (about 3 weeks ago) I've replaced the battery then finally the detector itself. I replaced the wiring to assure good connections. The chirp continues. I have even kept the breaker off and the unit still chirps 4 times and stops. Generally the chirp is in the morning between 4:00 and 6:30 and then in the early afternoon about 4:00 and finally sometimes between 10:00 and midnight. Nothing seems to stop the chirp. Needless to say it is driving me and my son nuts. I'd really like to be able to fix it myself as an electrician is costly especially for something that should be so simple. I am fairly good with home improvements. (I've installed the garage door opener, added electrical outlets to my backyard, installed a whole house fan in the attic to name a few). I'd be grateful to read any suggestions you have. I'm stumped that it still chirps with no power.

Thank you,

Teri H.

Dear Teri H.,

Thank you so much for your Ask Jane question. It certainly sounds like an aggravating situation!

What really caught our attention is the fact that you have changed the back-up battery and the smoke detector and it only seems to be happening in that one area. Here's a few ideas that we think it could be:

In order to see if it is the wiring, first disconnect the wires to the smoke detector and leave in the new back-up battery. If it still chirps, then this is not happening due to a "short" in your electrical system. Our concern is that it's still happening regardless of the fact that you've installed new equipment. We suggest you check the box that the detector came in and/or contact the manufacturer to see if there is a possibility it is alarming you of something else (e.g. does it also test for carbon monoxide - a potentially lethal, odourless gas?).

Another thing to check out is if there is a vent that could be directing hot air towards the smoke detector, alerting the detector of a change in temperature. Did this begin when you turned on your heat for the first time this year? If you find commonalities in this, then try to redirect the vent away from the smoke detector and see if that resolves the issue.

I know it is annoying but it if you find that this continues on without being attached to the wiring, you should have a local official come and inspect the detector in person.

Please keep us posted on how this turns out!

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time. We're here for you!

We hope this helps!

Hugs 'n hammers,

Jane