You can fix this
Likely cause: humidity, airflow, temperature or a loose battery
Random chirps from a battery-only alarm often come from steam, a draft, a cold or hot room, or a battery that is not seated firmly.
Why this happens
Kidde lists humidity or steam, airflow from a fan or vent within about 3 feet, a loosely seated battery and room temperature as causes of intermittent chirping. Kidde says smoke alarms are made to work between 40 and 95 F, so check the temperature of the room it is in.
How to fix it
- Open the battery door and make sure the battery is pressed firmly into place. Close it fully.
- Look for a bathroom, kitchen, ceiling fan or air vent within about 3 feet of the alarm.
- Check whether the room gets colder than 40 F or hotter than 95 F.
- Press and hold TEST. If chirping continues after a fresh battery, go back and follow the end-of-life steps; NFPA says an alarm that still chirps with a new battery must be replaced.
- Test it monthly.
When to stop. If the alarm turns out to be hardwired, or moving it means new wiring, call a licensed electrician.
If this does not fix it, tell the licensed electrician
- When the chirps happen: after showers, cooking, at night, or when the heat or AC runs.
- How far the alarm is from a bathroom, kitchen, fan or vent.
- The alarm's brand, model and manufacture date.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
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