Smoke and CO alarm batteries in Cirencester

The beeping at 3am usually means a flat battery in a smoke alarm. If the alarm is on a high ceiling, on a stairwell, or in a position that needs a ladder, it often gets left. I replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms across Cirencester and the surrounding villages.

What I do

Battery replacement in existing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, including the ones in high or awkward positions (stairwells, vaulted ceilings, double-height halls). I test each alarm after the battery goes in and make sure the hush button is accessible. If an alarm has a test button that is hard to reach, Martin can usually relocate it to a more practical position on the same ceiling.

I'll also have a quick look at where your alarms are positioned. If anything seems obviously wrong, like a smoke alarm in the kitchen directly above the cooker, or a CO alarm nowhere near the boiler, I'll mention it.

What I don't do

Fitting new smoke alarm units or carbon monoxide alarm units is a job for a qualified electrician. This includes mains-wired interlinked systems (common in newer builds), which are notifiable work under Part P. If an alarm has reached end of life (they all have a date stamped on the back, usually ten years), Martin will let you know, but the replacement itself is better left to an electrician who can check the wiring at the same time.

How long it takes

A single alarm battery replacement is 10 to 15 minutes. A full house (three or four alarms plus a CO alarm) is usually well under an hour, including testing.

Pricing

The first hour is £55 and includes getting to you if you're within five miles of Cirencester. It's the minimum charge, so it's worth saving up a few small jobs for one visit. After that it's £35 an hour, charged in half-hours. If you're booking me for a morning of odd jobs, ask me to check the alarms while I have a stepladder out.

Common questions

My alarm chirps but I just put a new battery in. That usually means the alarm itself has reached end of life. Check the date stamp on the back. If it is older than ten years, the alarm needs replacing by an electrician.

Where should my alarms be? A smoke alarm on every floor, ideally on landings and in hallways. A CO alarm within one to three metres of any gas or solid fuel appliance. I'll point out anything that looks wrong.