A red light on a smoke alarm detector can be confusing. It doesn’t mean it’s broken, but it does indicate there is a problem.
Dust particles, pet hair, and other debris float in the air and can get into the chamber of your smoke detectors.
Some smoke alarm brands have a warning light to let you know that debris needs to be cleaned out.
Battery Replacement
A smoke detector’s battery should be replaced at least once every six months. It’s a good idea to replace it more often, especially if you live in an area that experiences daylight savings time.
Many models now come with non-replaceable batteries that are designed to last for 10 years. They’re not as expensive as the batteries that once were in common use, and they are a good way to avoid the hassle of replacing smoke detectors once their batteries die out.
If you have a smoke alarm that blinks red, it’s usually a sign that the battery is about to die. It may also be a sign that the unit needs to be cleaned.
If you’re unsure about changing the battery, it’s a good idea to call a professional electrician who can handle the job. It’s also a good idea to work on the device while it’s disarmed and in test mode.
Cleaning the Detector
You might be tempted to dismiss this as a false alarm but in reality it is an indication that your smoke detector needs to be cleaned. Dust particles, pet dander and cooking vapors all float through the air in your home and can accumulate on the sensors within your smoke detector.
This will reduce their sensitivity and therefore your ability to detect smoke. Cleaning the smoke detector will remove this build-up, ensuring it can work effectively in an emergency.
Once you have cleaned your smoke detector, you can test it again to ensure it has worked correctly. Most experts recommend testing your smoke detectors every month.
If you find that you have to clean your smoke detector more than twice a year, this is usually a sign that the batteries need replacing. The batteries for a smoke detector last for around 12 months and it is best to replace them regularly, to avoid having them drain unexpectedly during an emergency.
Resetting the Alarm
If your smoke detector has a blinking red light, it may be a sign that the alarm needs to be reset. This is a common issue that can occur with smoke detectors.
The most common reason for this is because the batteries in the detector are running low. This is something that you should address immediately.
Another issue that can cause a smoke alarm to blink red is when the sensor inside it becomes dirty. This can be caused by hair buildup, pet hair, dust and other debris that accumulates over time.
If this happens, you should clean the smoke detector to get it back to working properly. This will also ensure that the flashing light does not happen again.
Replace the Detector
A blinking red light is usually a sign that you need to replace the detector. This could be due to dead batteries, or the device is malfunctioning.
Generally, smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years of use. This is a good time to upgrade your system and get a new one that works better for your home and your family.
If your smoke alarm is not working properly and it’s a hardwired model, you can reset it by finding the test button on your unit and pushing it. This will help you decide if you need to replace the battery or not.
A smoke detector can be an effective way to keep your home safe, but it does need to be cleaned and tested regularly. If it’s dirty, you may experience false alarms. It’s also important to change the batteries on a regular basis.