Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Blinking Red Light. A carbon monoxide detector can be a lifesaver. These simple devices are a must-have for every home, and 27 US states require them to be installed in dwellings.
These smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can sometimes emit a blinking red light, which indicates that something is wrong. Check the instructions for your detector to determine if this is a normal condition or not.
Why does my kidde smoke and carbon monoxide alarm have a blinking red light?
Your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm is likely flashing red to tell you that something’s wrong with it. If you’re not sure, read your detector’s instructions and contact the manufacturer for clarity on what the blinking red light means in this situation.
Most hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have a test button that will let you know if your unit is working properly. If it’s not, your alarm might need new batteries or some other maintenance.
If your alarm is a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, it might have an additional indicator to help you know when the battery is low or it’s in a “memory” mode, which can cause it to beep intermittingly. The most common reason for this is that the device needs a battery replacement.
Is my battery low?
A smoke or carbon monoxide alarm will chirp every few seconds, sometimes up to four times in a row, when it detects unsafe levels of either hazard. This is normal, and it usually means the battery in the alarm needs to be replaced.
It could also be a sign of other issues, such as dust in the sensor or a problem with the device’s processor. If so, replace the battery or move the alarm to a new location where there’s less air flow that can trigger the chirping.
This chirping can also occur in the middle of the night, when homes are cooler. This is because the batteries in a smoke alarm typically have a low battery characteristic that causes the chirp when air temperatures are cold.
To fully reset your kidde smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, remove the battery and press and hold the test button for 15 seconds. This will drain any residual charge from the old battery and reset the chirping feature.
Is my smoke and carbon monoxide alarm working properly?
When a smoke or carbon monoxide detector goes off, it’s a warning of a dangerous situation. But it’s not enough to simply hear the alarm; you need to test it to make sure it’s working properly.
Many smoke and carbon monoxide detectors look so similar that it’s easy to assume they all work the same way. But if they’re not UL, Intertek or CSA-listed, they’re not up to safety standards and you should replace them.
If you don’t know how old your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are, find out by looking on the back of them. They should be labeled with a date of manufacture and a year or two.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Some are designed to alert you when it’s time to replace the batteries.
What should I do if my kidde smoke and carbon monoxide alarm has a blinking red light?
If your kidde smoke and carbon monoxide alarm has a blinking red light, it could be a sign that it isn’t working properly or needs maintenance. Learn more about the reasons your detector may have a blinking red light so you can get it back in action and keep your family safe.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors need regular maintenance and testing to be effective. This is especially true if you live in an older home or have young children in the house.
The batteries in a smoke detector usually drain out quickly, so check to see if they are low and replace them as needed. If your battery is old, it is best to replace it altogether.
A smoke detector that is still working properly should have a steady green light that indicates it is collecting energy from your home’s power source. This is called a “power upcycle” and will occur periodically during an electrical outage to give the device time to recharge.