Smoke Detector Troubleshooting

• Some smoke detectors beep when the battery is not in the correct position. You can make sure the battery is working and is properly connected by pressing the battery-test button on your smoke detector. Typically, the battery-test button is located in its own little divot on the smoke detector face. Words such as "battery test" may be engraved into the plastic.
  
  If the battery is working properly, you may need to replace the battery. Most smoke detector manuals will tell you that batteries should be replaced every year. If your smoke detector's battery is more than a year old, you should seriously consider changing the battery. Many times, the problem with a smoke detector is caused by a low or faulty battery. Replacing the battery may solve your problem. Even if replacing the battery does not solve the problem and you have to purchase a new smoke detector, you can keep your battery and place it in the new detector when the time comes.
  
  Next, test the actual working order of the smoke detector. For this step, you will need a source of fire, such as a lighter or a candle. A candle works best because you get both the heat from the fire and, when you blow the candle out, smoke from the wick. Light a candle and hold the candle half a foot below the smoke detector. Most detectors will sound within 20 to 30 seconds when presented with a heat source. If the alarm does not sound within this time frame, blow the candle out and let the smoke travel into the detector. The detector should sound. If it does not, open the detector and make sure everything is clean and that all the wires are connected. If it appears all is clean and all the wires are connected, you will need to replace the detector if it continues acting up.