Smoke Detector Keeps Beeping – What to Do

A single beep every 30–60 seconds almost always indicates a low battery. Replace the battery (usually a 9-volt block or AA) with a new one, then press the test button. If the detector continues to beep continuously, dust inside the sensor may be the cause – carefully vacuum the unit with a vacuum cleaner. If the beeping does not stop afterwards, or if the detector is more than 10 years old, replace the entire unit, as smoke detectors lose their reliability after this time.