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Your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are only helpful if they’re working properly. Regular testing and simple maintenance can catch problems early, reduce nuisance alarms, and help keep your home protected year-round.
Quick take: Test alarms regularly, replace batteries when needed, clean monthly, and replace alarms at the end of their service life.
Important: The steps below cover typical First Alert smoke and CO alarms. Your model may vary. Always follow your unit’s user manual if it differs.
How Often to Test Your Smoke Alarms
For most households, it’s best practice to test smoke alarms once per month. Also test after changing batteries, after extended travel, and after any power outage (for hardwired models).
Test monthly
Test after battery changes
Test after power outages (hardwired alarms)
Test after painting, remodeling, or heavy dust (then clean)
Test a Smoke Alarm
Notify others (the alarm will be loud). If you have monitored security, consider placing the system in test mode.
Press and hold the TEST/SILENCE button on the alarm.
Listen for the test pattern (typically a series of loud beeps).
Release the button and confirm the alarm stops after the test completes.
If your alarms are interconnected, confirm nearby units also sound during the test.
Tip: If the unit has a voice feature, listen for spoken status messages that indicate normal operation or a condition that needs attention.
How Often to Test Your Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
Just like smoke alarms, it’s best practice to test CO alarms once per month. CO is an invisible, odorless gas, so a working alarm is critical.
Test monthly
Test after battery changes
Test after power outages (plug-in/hardwired units)
Test before and during seasons of heavy fuel use (such as winter)
Testing a CO Alarm
Press and hold the TEST button on the CO alarm.
Confirm you hear the alarm and/or see indicator lights respond (varies by model).
Release the button once the test begins and verify the unit returns to normal.
How to Reset a First Alert Smoke or CO Alarm (Step-by-Step)
Resetting can clear certain temporary conditions (for example, after changing batteries or after silencing a nuisance alarm). Reset steps can vary by model, but these are common approaches:
Reset Method 1: Battery-Powered Alarms
Remove the alarm from its mounting bracket (if applicable).
Open the battery door and remove the battery.
Press and hold the TEST button for 15-20 seconds
Reinstall a fresh battery and close the battery door fully.
Reattach the alarm and press TEST to confirm normal operation.
Reset Method 2: Plug-In or Hardwired Alarms
Turn power off to the alarm (unplug the unit or switch off the circuit at the breaker for hardwired models).
If the unit has a backup battery, remove it.
Press and hold the TEST button for 15-20 seconds.
Restore power (plug back in or turn the breaker on).
Reinstall the backup battery (if applicable) and press TEST.
If your alarm continues to chirp or show a trouble indicator after a reset: Replace the battery, clean the unit, and check whether the alarm is at end-of-life.
Cleaning Your Alarm: Vacuum Monthly to Help Prevent False Alarms
Dust, lint, pet hair, and airborne particles can build up inside alarm vents over time. That buildup can contribute to nuisance alarms or reduced sensitivity. A quick monthly cleaning helps keep your alarm working reliably.
FAQs
My alarm failed the test. Do I need to replace it?
Start with the basics: confirm power, replace the battery, reset the alarm on the base, clean it, and test again. If it still won’t test properly, replacement is recommended.
How often should I clean my smoke alarm or CO alarm?
A light vacuuming around the vents once per month is a solid routine for most homes and can help prevent dust-related nuisance alarms.
Why is my alarm chirping even after I changed the battery?
Confirm that the battery drawer is fully closed and the device is securely locked onto its mounting bracket. If the chirping persists, the unit may require a manual reset or a quick cleaning to remove dust; however, if the device continues to signal, it may have reached its end-of-life and require replacement.
Should I test interconnected alarms differently?
Use the TEST button on one alarm and confirm that all interconnected units sound. If only one unit sounds, check connections, power, and model compatibility, then test again.
Next Steps
Make testing part of a routine (for example, the first weekend of each month).
If you have multiple alarms, test one per week to spread out the noise and still cover the home regularly.
Keep spare batteries on hand and consider setting calendar reminders for periodic checks.
Related Support Topics
Explore related support articles and resources for this topic.
Learn how often to test smoke and CO alarms, how to test step-by-step, what to do if a test fails, how to reset First Alert alarms, and how monthly cleaning helps prevent false alarms.
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