When you see a smoke alarm blinking red and green, it can seem like something is wrong. That’s why it’s important to know what it means and resolve the issue.
There are a few possible reasons why your smoke detector may be flashing red and green, and it’s best to fix it right away.
Batteries
If your smoke alarm has a blinking red light, it’s probably a good idea to change the batteries. This could be as simple as swapping out a 9-volt battery, or it might mean you need to purchase a new, higher quality battery.
Most smoke detectors use a disposable nine-volt battery that can last for years, but you should swap them out once a year to make sure they’re fresh. For a bit more cost, you can also choose a higher quality, longer-lasting AA battery that’s designed specifically for smoke detectors.
Some hard-wired detectors have a flashing green LED light that indicates the device is gathering power from your home’s alternating current (AC) system during a power outage. Once the power is back on, the green light will stop flashing and turn solid green. This is an incredibly important feature for your safety.
Battery Replacement
While a blinking red and green light can indicate several different problems, it is also a sign that you should change the batteries in your smoke detector. This is an important step to help save your home and your family.
To replace the battery in your smoke alarm, you will need to access the battery compartment by removing the cover that covers it. This process is fairly simple and usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
The exact location and how it is secured will vary from model to model, but most are relatively easy to open with a screwdriver or other tool.
Most detectors use a lithium-ion battery designed to last up to 10 years. If you have a detector with a non-replaceable battery, you should replace it every year or as the manufacturer recommends.
Dust or Dirt
The dust or dirt inside your smoke detector could be causing the alarm to blink red and green. You should clean the inside of your smoke detector regularly to remove any debris that has gotten in it.
Dust can come from a variety of sources, including pet hair, pollen, mold and fungus spores, soot, and other airborne particles. It is also a natural component of soil.
This can make your home unhealthy if you have allergies or respiratory problems, and it can cause asthma symptoms in some people. In addition, it can contain some carcinogenic compounds and endocrine disruptors.
It can also attract pests, which can cause your home to smell bad and lead to false alarms. The easiest way to combat this is to keep your home clean and organized.
Battery Reset
If you notice that your smoke alarm is blinking red and green, this could indicate that it’s time to reset the battery. While it’s not necessary to do so regularly, a battery reset can help you save money and avoid headaches down the road.
In most cases, you can reset your smoke alarm by finding the test button on the front of the device and pushing it. It should take 5 to 20 seconds to reset the detector.
The process is the same for hardwired, battery powered, and plug in smoke alarms. It will also work for interconnected devices if they have their own test button. Depending on the type of smoke detector, you may need to push the test button a few times to complete the reset.