Your alarm manufacturer may have included a blinking red light to let you know it's time to test the alarm again. The Batteries are Low: Usually accompanied by a loud beep, a blinking red light could mean the batteries in the unit are low. Consider adding fresh batteries and running a test to make sure it's working.
If your detector or alarm has a blinking or steady light with no audible alarm sound, this typically indicates that the unit is receiving power.
The smoke alarm is desensitized by pushing the Test/Hush button on the smoke alarm cover. If the smoke is not too dense, the alarm will silence immediately and the red LED blinks every 10 seconds. This indicates that the alarm is in a temporarily desensitized condition.
If your alarms use regular batteries, swap in fresh batteries at least once a year. A “chirping” sound means that it's time to change batteries. Because alarm sensors wear out, replace each alarm at least every 10 years. Also, alarms have labels showing when they were made.
Tip. Press the “Test,” “Silence” or “Hush” button to reset the smoke detector if it has a blinking red light. Press "*72" (star, seven, two) to reset a smoke detector on an alarm system with a keypad.
A flashing green light means that the smoke detector is getting the right amount of power supply. Basically, the green light indicates that the smoke detector is active. Red Light: The red light can indicate more than just an emergency threat. Your smoke detector blinking red could mean more than one thing.
Try a manual reset: if the above still does not work, you may have to perform a full manual reset. For battery-only detectors, you will need to remove the detector's batteries, then hold the reset button down for 15-20 seconds. Replace the batteries and reconnect the detector.
If this happens, you must replace the batteries in your smoke detector. We recommend retesting the detector once the batteries have been changed.
A blinking red light on a smoke detector is rarely cause for alarm. Instead, it usually means that the battery is low, or the detector is in need of a minor repair. If you notice a blinking red light, replace the battery first – but only if you're sure that it's still good.
This battery characteristic can cause a smoke alarm to enter the low battery chirp mode when air temperatures drop. Most homes are the coolest between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. That's why the alarm may sound a low-battery chirp in the middle of the night, and then stop when the home warms up a few degrees.
The most likely reason smoke detectors go off unexpectedly is that people aren't changing the batteries in them often enough. In most sensors you might think of, the strength of the signal goes up when they detect what they're supposed to. Common causes of smoke detector false positives around the house.
Clear Residual Charge to Stop the Chirp
Press and hold the test button for 15-30 seconds. This will fully reset the smoke alarm and drain any charge left inside. Insert the new battery and close the battery compartment. Clean the unit with a microfiber cloth or a can of compressed air.
In conclusion, the smoke detector may still be beeping even after the battery is changed because the battery may be low, the smoke detector may be faulty, or there may be dust or other particles in the smoke detector.
Typically, a smoke alarm has a red and green light to allow you to understand the system is working properly. However, there are other models that will integrate a third light indicator to separate when a malfunction, power source, and a simple battery replacement might be needed.
It's time to change the battery
Low batteries are the most common reason smoke detectors beep or send a trouble signal to your security panel, when there is no smoke or fire. As the battery weakens, the device will beep regularly to let you know it's time to replace it.
If your alarm is hardwired into your home's electrical system, replace the backup battery at least every 6 months and replace the smoke alarm itself once every 10 years.
Dust, Dirt and Environmental Smoke
Dust and dirt that comes from activities like remodeling may set off your smoke alarms. To clean your smoke alarm, open it up carefully, and look inside for dust or dirt. Use a vacuum attachment or electronic aerosol cleaner to remove dust particles.
The CO alarm will sound if your sensor detects a high buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. Most people begin to feel the effects of carbon monoxide at 50 ppm, so be sure your detector can sense an amount of 50 ppm or less.
Power interruptions are common in areas where utility companies switch grids in the early hours of the morning. In AC or AC/DC smoke alarms, a loose hot wire connection can intermittently disconnect power to the smoke alarm. The effect is the same as a power failure. When power is restored, the units may alarm briefly.
A carbon monoxide detector is a must for any home and just as important as a smoke detector. CO detectors should be placed near all bedrooms; they're the only way you will know if carbon monoxide is affecting the air quality in your home, and can help prevent serious illness and even death.
Here's a simple guide: Smoke alarms alert you with three beeps in a row. Carbon monoxide alarms alert you with four beeps. A single chirp means the battery is low or the detector should be replaced.