i can open control panel and click on add/remove, when it opens, it is blank and the hour glass icon stays on but never get access
I say, let him suffer. Nothing out there that I can think of would do a complete job for this guy!
I can't think of any reason that the AC should have a part to play but hardwired units have a battery back up. It is a 9V battery and should be replaced once a year. The beeping is intermittent and is designed to let you know the battery needs to be replaced.
I would check the wires and make sure they are very tightly connected. Sounds to me like you may have a loose wire. Be sure to check the wire nuts AND the clip that goes into the back of the alarm. Then depending on how old the smoke alarm is, I would replace it as soon as I could. If it were me I would buy one that has battery back up. Good luck
