When a smoke detector blinks red, it means it’s flashing to let you know that something is wrong. This can be helpful in reducing panic when your smoke detector goes off, but it can also signal other things that need attention.
Smoke alarms are a crucial component to your home’s safety system. Understanding what these flashing lights mean will help you stay on top of your smoke alarm’s maintenance so you can be ready to respond to the unexpected.
1. You Need to Run a Test
A flashing red light on your kidde smoke alarm could be telling you it’s time to run a test. Regularly testing your smoke alarms helps you spot problems before they turn into a fire, which can save lives.
Your alarm may have a button on it that will activate a test function or a silence mode that will allow you to reset the alarm without the need for batteries. You can find these buttons in most models of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
You can also use the test/hush feature to check if all the electronic circuitry, horn and battery are working. If none of these components are working, the alarm is likely defective.
There’s Dust in the Chamber: If your smoke detector is chirping, it could mean that there’s debris in the sensor chamber. This can be caused by a variety of things, including dirt, construction debris, pet hair, and dust particles that float in the air.
2. The Batteries are Low
If your kidde smoke alarm red blinking light flashes every minute or so, it is likely the batteries are low. Fortunately, this is a very common occurrence and usually just means the detector needs new batteries.
Alternatively, the sensors inside the smoke detector may be dirty or need to be replaced. This is a fairly simple fix and is something you should do on a regular basis.
Another option is to replace the unit altogether. This can be a relatively affordable way to upgrade your home’s safety and could save you a lot of money in the long run!
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, battery-powered smoke detector, consider the Kidde i12080A. It’s a single-station unit that uses ionization sensing technology to detect particles of smoke sooner than photoelectric detectors. It also features the Hush mode that silences nuisance alarms and provides an 8-minute hush time.
3. It Needs to Be Replaced
If you see the red blinking light on your smoke detector but you don’t hear any beeping, it could mean that there is a problem with the alarm. In this case, you need to get in touch with a local fire safety specialist to inspect it.
The Smoke Detector Isn’t Working Properly
This can happen if the battery in your smoke alarm is dead or if there’s dust in the chamber. Check to make sure that the battery compartment is accessible on the back of the alarm, and then replace the batteries and test it again.
The Smoke Detector Needs Maintenance
If your smoke detector is over 10 years old, it will need to be replaced. It may also need cleaning.
There’s a Hush Mode:
Some smoke detectors will start blinking a red LED every eight seconds in “hush mode.” This is meant to alert you to a specific type of event that requires you to turn off the unit and stay away from it.
4. There’s Dust in the Chamber
If you own an older smoke detector, it may be starting to malfunction. Detectors are designed to last for about 10 years, but it’s not uncommon for them to start acting up.
One of the best ways to tell if your alarm is working is by checking the sensor chamber. If it is covered with dust, you’re probably not going to get the best performance.
Thankfully, most smoke alarm brands include a warning light to let you know you have dust in the chamber, so this should not be too hard to spot.
You should also take a look at the battery, which should be in good condition. Typically, these detectors come with a 9-volt backup battery that will kick in when your home loses power.