I just accidentally bumped into my First Alert CO and Smoke detector and it has started chirping intermittently. What does this mean? and how can I stop it from chirping?

Check the wiring coming from the house going to the smoke alarm.

The chirping must be coming from some physical object. Sometimes it can be difficult to locate a chirp. Maybe there is a CO detector nearby. Those chirp also.

Look at the detector you removed, and all others that may still be wired in.
They all have battery backup. Although the detectors are hardwired, the chirping is coming from one of the detectors to let you know to change the battery.

This is not a beeping smoke detector. It is probably a CO detector that was installed by your alarm company. GE model 240-COE will give a double beep every 5.5 minutes when the device reaches end of life. Call your alarm company to have it replaced.

They have a timer which means that they chirp after 7 years. You need new ones. 7 years is how long they think they last.

Normally this means the smoke detector's battery or batteries are getting weak and need to be replaced. Since your detector incorporates carbon monoxide detection it could also mean the sensor that measures CO is going bad. Most units with CO detection have a life expectancy of 8-10 years. If your unit is that old I would suggest replacing it. Hope this helps.

Call the Consumer Hotline: 1-800-880-6788
Hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST
Monday through Friday (Except Holidays)

when you replaced the batteries it may unprogramed

try a another new battery sometimes they are no good if they where on the store shelf for to long of course the store wont tell you this. if this dosent work replace the unit its better to be safe than sorry


good luck