Is Your Alarm goin off randomly? Here are 9 reason why this might be happening.
Alarm goes off randomly for many reasons. First, smoke alarms play a very vital role in our homes and offices. Indeed, they keep inhabitants safe and ensure damage can be controlled before it’s too late. However, they’re not always reliable as smoke alarms can go off without an actual fire. In fact, though not very common, fake alarms can be a problem. Hence, it’s important that you learn more about the reasons your smoke alarm goes off randomly. In this article, we’ll talk about this automated technology and why your smoke alarm may go off randomly:
Alarm goes off randomly because the alarm is old
Smoke alarms don’t last a lifetime as most have a lifespan of about 10 years. In fact, they are known to cause issues once they’re past 10 years, hence we suggest that you find a new alarm if your alarm is old. Signs of an old smoke alarm include the detector turning yellow, chirping all the time, not responding to tests, and going off randomly.
Alarm can go off randomly because It Needs New Batteries
If you ever get yourself asking this question: “why did my fire alarm randomly go off in the middle of the night” then look for batteries as your smoke alarm may require an upgrade.
Smoke alarms create low or chirping noise when the batteries are low or not properly connected. It isn’t the same as your smoke alarm going off but it’s a warning sign. Although some batteries can last for 8 to 9 months, it is recommended that you replace the batteries at least twice a year. Now, you should ask “why does my smoke alarm keep going off even with a new battery?” Continue reading.
Alarm goes off randomly because Dirt or Dust is to be Blamed
Dust is a common reason for an apartment fire alarm going off for no reason. People who live in sandy areas face this more often. Moreover, it’s common when you’re cleaning the house or remodeling it. Therefore, it might be a good idea to clean your smoke alarm. Here’s how you can do it:
- First, open the alarm.
- Next, look inside for signs of dirt or dust.
- Now, use an aerosol cleaner or vacuum attachment to remove dust.
Lastly, reattach the alarm.
Alarm goes off randomly because of Insects
This might come as a surprise to some but insects could crawl into your detector and trigger a false alarm. With this in mind, clean the smoke detector from time to time and use insecticides to keep insects away.
Alarm can malfunction due to steam
Still wondering why would smoke alarm go off without smoke? It could be due to steam. Dense water particles could trigger false alarms. It’s common when you boil water or take a shower. The best way to solve this problem is to ventilate your kitchen and bathroom.
Often times The Alarm Needs Repairing or Replacement
Your smoke alarm randomly went off for 5 seconds or more? It could be due to a system fault. Home security systems including smart smoke detectors need regular maintenance. Call a professional to check your smoke alarm and ensure there are no wiring or software issues.
Alarm goes off randomly because It’s Close to a Fireplace
Ever wondered ‘why does my smoke alarm keep going off early in the morning?’ It could be due to the placement of your fire alarm. Since fireplaces can send smoke into the house, they can cause your alarm to go off randomly. The alarm is not to be blamed as it could be due to a dirty chimney or poorly set dampers. At least, clean the chimney so that smoke doesn’t enter your room.
Alarm goes off randomly because Due to Burnt Food
If you are facing the problem of your fire alarm randomly going off for a few seconds then turn to your kitchen and ensure there’s no burnt food. Burnt food causes smoke that can cause the alarm to go off. In fact, most alarms do not require smoke, they can go off just as they receive a hint of burnt food. For this purpose, consider keeping the alarm not in the kitchen but close to it and never leave your stovetop unattended.
Smoke Alarms Going Off for No Reason Hard-wired: Conclusion
It is natural to assume there is a fire when you hear the alarm go off. However, it could be due to an issue with your smoke alarm. Still, don’t neglect smoke detector false alarms and find a solution so that there’s no fire safety hazard.
