Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

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Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Maintenance Tips

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are small but essential devices that protect your home and family 24/7. The good news is, keeping them working properly only takes a few minutes of maintenance each year.

đź”” Know What the Beeps Mean:

Sound What It Means
1 beep/chirp every minute Low Battery
3 loud beeps, then silence Smoke Detected
4 quick beeps, pause, repeat Carbon Monoxide Detected

🔋 Change the Batteries

Even hardwired alarms rely on backup batteries. Dead or weak batteries are the #1 reason smoke or carbon monoxide alarms fail when you need them most.

🔄 Sign It’s Time to Change the Battery:
If your alarm starts making a single “chirp” every 30 to 60 seconds, that’s a low battery alert, even if the alarm seems fine otherwise.

How to change the battery:

  1. Remove the alarm from its mounting bracket. Most models twist off with a gentle counterclockwise turn (some may have a release tab).
  2. Locate and open the battery compartment (usually on the back or side).
  3. Replace the old battery with a new AA or 9V battery (depending on your model).
  4. Ensure the + and – symbols align with the compartment markings.
  5. Close the battery compartment and re-mount the alarm by twisting it clockwise back into place.
  6. Press the “TEST” button to confirm proper installation—it should beep loudly.

đź•“ Test Each Alarm Regularly

Why it matters:
Even if the light is on, that doesn’t always mean the alarm is working. A quick test ensures the sensor and sound are both functioning.
How to test:

  • Press and hold the “TEST” button on the alarm.
  • You should hear a loud beep or series of beeps within a few seconds.
  • If the sound is weak, delayed, or nonexistent, replace the batteries immediately.

🚨 Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Detected

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are designed to alert you to danger, and while these alarms are rare, they should always be taken seriously when they happen.
🔥 Smoke Alarm:

  • If you see or smell smoke, call 911 immediately and do not re-enter the home.
  • If there’s no obvious smoke, it may have been triggered by cooking, steam, or dust—ventilate the area and allow the alarm to stop on its own.
  • Do not remove the batteries to silence it unless you’ve confirmed it’s a false alarm.

🏠 Carbon Monoxide Alarm:

    • Evacuate your home immediately.
    • Do not open windows until you’re outside—this helps emergency responders get accurate readings.
    • Call 911 or your local fire department to report a carbon monoxide alert.
    • Do not return until they say it’s safe.
    • Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and dangerous, so take every alarm seriously.

đź“© Still Have Questions or Concerns?

  • Submit a service request and a Patterson Company new home professional will help make sure your home is safe and fully protected.
  • If that solved the issue and you have an open Customer Service request with Patterson Company, email service@buypatterson.com to close the ticket.