Smoke Detector Going Off for No Reason? Here's Why

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are critical for keeping you and your family safe in the event of a fire in your home. However, they don’t always go off when a real fire threatens to erupt in your home. Even though false alarms are standard, you shouldn’t dismiss the sound if you don’t see or smell smoke. Before you can, smoke detectors can detect fires that are not visible to the naked eye, such as electrical fires. Here are the leading reasons for smoke detector false alarms to help you better understand how they work.

Reasons Why Your Smoke & Fire Alarm Keep Going Off

1. Burnt Food on Stovetop

If you don’t keep an eye on the stove while you’re cooking, your meal may emit smoke, which will set off the smoke alarm. In other circumstances, smoke isn’t required; a whiff of cooked food can trigger the detector. Also, make sure your smoke alarm is in the hallway leading to the kitchen rather than in the kitchen itself.

2. Smoke Detector Placement

It only takes a small amount of smoke to set off the alarm. If your smoke detector is within 10 feet of a cooking appliance like a stove, toaster, or toaster oven, it may be setting off false alarms.

3. Steam or a High Humidity Environment

High humidity might cause thick moisture particles to be mistaken for smoke by your smoke detector. Steam follows the same logic. If your smoke detector is located directly outside a steamy bathroom, you may want to relocate it.

4. Insects

Because small bugs like to hide in dark crevices, they may creep into your smoke detectors, causing a false alarm. If you’re unsure why an alarm went off, open the device, and look for small insects. If insects are to blame, use pest control sprays near your smoke alarms.

5. Dust Collecting

A buildup of dust might potentially cause your smoke alarm to malfunction. So, it’s suggested that you clean your smoke detectors with a vacuum brush attachment at least once a year, if not more frequently.

6. Chemical Odors

Smoke detectors are also sensitive to particles in the air generated by chemicals with a strong odor. This could be the cause of your false alarms if you’re remodeling your home, deep cleaning, or utilizing powerful chemicals for another reason.

7. Low Battery Power

Smoke alarms generally emit little chirping noises when their batteries are low or aren’t adequately attached. While this isn’t the sound of smoke detection, it is a signal that you should check your device. Replace batteries twice a year, at the beginning and end of daylight savings time.

If there is heavy soot damage to the property, the smoke detector might not give an alarm. Professional Disaster restoration professionals will have to deal with the fire and smoke damage. SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito can help with this. Please find out more about our fire damage restoration services by contacting us today for any of your restoration needs.