Why Is My Smoke Detector Blinking Red? Read To Find The Answer!

Last week, after returning from Chile, I invited over my friends to my place. The idea was to drink some wine, eat some pizzas, and chill. Just as we were having fun, my friend’s girlfriend almost panicked upon seeing my smoke detector blinking red. She was all freaked out with Kidde smoke alarm red light until I explained to her what it could mean.

Smoke detectors are a necessity at home and save thousands of lives across the globe every year. As I mentioned about the fireproof safes in the best small fireproof safes article, even smoke detectors are the kind of purchase that we make hoping that we never put its capabilities to test. This is the reason why many users panic if they see a smoke detector flashing red. However, it is not always a case of emergency.

In this article, I will write about the various reasons why your smoke detector may be blinking red. I will also talk about the ways you can carry out the maintenance of your smoke detector. But before we move ahead, let us first understand what the lights on your smoke detector indicate.

Lights On Smoke Detector: What Do They Mean?

Most smoke detectors have red and green lights installed on them. Both the lights act as indicators and have a specific purpose. I am listing the colors of the indicator lights and their purpose below:

Green Light: The green light indicates the power supply to the smoke detector. 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. I will discuss these indications in detail in this article.

Reasons Why Your Smoke Detector is Blinking Red

There are a variety of reasons why your smoke detector is blinking red and most of the time, the reason is not as alarming as we think it can be. However, this does not imply that we do not look at these signs seriously. It is essential to carefully examine these signs and find an appropriate solution. 

Some of the common reasons we see a smoke alarm blinking red are as follows:

The Smoke Detector Is Functioning Normally

The smoke detectors by most brands have a flashing red light to indicate that your device is working absolutely normally. In this case, the red smoke detector light blinks every 30-60 seconds instead of flashing continuously.

Regardless of the brand, that feature indicates the normal functioning of the smoke detector and is not the cause of worry. Having your smoke detector flashing red every 30 seconds, in most cases, is a normal flashing behavior.

The Smoke Detector Batteries Are Low

If your smoke detector alarm runs on batteries instead of AC power, the ‘smoke alarm blinking red’ may be because of low batteries. This is when you have to replace the batteries instead of panicking. Most smoke detectors’ low battery is indicated with the smoke detector flashing red with a loud beep.

It is recommended to replace the batteries of your smoke detectors every 6 months to avoid malfunctioning. I also suggest doing a test run post replacing the batteries of your smoke detector.

If you see your smoke detector is blinking red even after a new battery, it could be because of  the following reasons.

The Smoke Detector Needs A Test Run

Regular testing of your smoke detector device is a safety measure to ensure that your smoke detector is working normally. Your smoke detector brand may have a red light that blinks to indicate that you need to test run your alarm for safety purposes. In such cases, the red light usually flashes every 10 seconds.

If you are wondering ‘why is my smoke detector blinking red every 10 seconds’, run a test on your alarm. The issue should most likely resolve after the test and the usual flashing behavior should resume.

The Smoke Detector Needs To Be Replaced

Smoke detector is a long-time investment but is not a lifetime product. Replacing your smoke detector after every ten years is recommended. A smoke detector blinking red after a new battery may be an old device. 

If you see a red light on a smoke detector often, it may signify that your smoke detector needs an upgrade. Check the manufacturing year on your smoke detector to find if it is the time to change it.

The Smoke Detector Chamber Has Dust

A smoke detector in your house is exposed to dust particles, pet hair, and humidity. It is very likely for these particles to enter the chamber of your smoke detector. Adapting the routine of cleaning your smoke detector is a wise idea.

My friend had his Firex smoke detector flashing red, and he found a lot of dust accumulated in his device. In such cases, you have to clean the chamber of your smoke alarm.

Here’s how

Step 1: Remove the chamber of your smoke detector device.

Step 2: Clean the chamber and the outer frame of your smoke detector with a soft cloth.Step 3: Vacuum the interior of your smoke detector to remove any traces of dust or dirt.

The Smoke Detector Actually Detected Smoke

One of the reasons you find your smoke detector blinking red is that your smoke detector actually detected smoke. However, in the case of smoke, the alarm light is accompanied by a loud sound or beep. 

So, if you hear a loud beeping sound with your smoke detector, you must check for any fire or smoke signs at your home.

Lingering Smoke Detected After The Alarm

There may be some smoke remaining in the surroundings after the initial alarm of your device. The smoke detector detects the lingering carbon monoxide in the surroundings and indicates an alert. In most cases, you will see the carbon monoxide detector blinking red for a certain period till the smoke clears after an alarm or you may find your smoke detector flashing red after going off. When you experience this, allow ventilation in your space by opening the doors and windows and run a test on your smoke detector.

When Should You be Concerned About the Smoke Detector Red Light?

As I told you, I did not panic upon seeing my Kidde smoke detector flashing red because a smoke detector can blink red for many reasons. So, does it mean that a smoke alarm blinking red is not a matter of concern? Well, the answer is NO! There are a few scenarios when the blinking red light can be alarming, and you must sift through these scenarios.

Here are those scenarios,

Case 1: Your Smoke Detector Red light Is Continuous

Usually, a continuous red light on your smoke detector signifies that your device detected snow. In this case, the light will not go off until you reset the smoke detector. 

Here’s how you can reset the alarm in such a scenario.

Step 1: Turn the power off of your smoke detector device.

Step 2: Remove the batteries or unplug the power supply.

Step 3: Press the RESET or the TEST button for 15-30 seconds until the indicator LED blinks.

Step 4: Re-insert the batteries or plug in the power supply.

Step 5: Turn the power of the smoke detector on.

Case 2: The Smoke Detector Red Light Is Accompanied By Sound

If your smoke detector has a loud beeping sound accompanying the red light, it needs your attention immediately.

The possible reasons for this blinking behavior are as follows:

• The smoke detector detected smoke that needs your attention
• The smoke detector batteries are about to die.

If the sound persists for about 3-5 minutes, reach out to an expert.

Case 3: The Smoke Detector Red Light Is Not Blinking At All

Honestly, in my opinion, having a red light flash on your smoke detector is less alarming than no light flashing on your device. If you see no light on your smoke detector, it can possibly mean one of the two following things:

• The smoke detector batteries are worn out.
• The smoke detector is too old and needs to be replaced.

Contact a local expert or call customer care in case your smoke detector device is worn out for the correct guidance and remedy so that your safety is not compromised.

How To Maintain Your Smoke Detector

A smoke detector is an auxiliary device that assists your safety. Ensuring proper maintenance of this device will ensure your safety and hence, is vital. I am listing below a few simple checks that you can incorporate into your routine to maintain your device.

• Install the smoke detector device properly. Carefully read the step-by-step instructions 
• Run tests on your smoke detector device regularly. I recommend running monthly tests on your smoke detector device to ensure the safety of your device and home.
• Smoke detectors are prone to accumulating a lot of dust and dirt. Clean the chamber of your smoke detector regularly to avoid malfunctioning the device.
• Replacing an outdated smoke detector device is essential. If your smoke detected was installed 8-10 years ago, it may be the time for you to upgrade it. 
• Replace the batteries of your smoke detector device regularly. Most smoke detector batteries last for about six months. It is recommended to replace the old batteries with new ones within this period.

FAQs

Q1. How to reset my blinking smoke detector alarm?

Answer – To reset your blinking smoke detector alarm, press the RESET or the TEST button for 15-30 seconds until the indicator LED blinks.

Q2. How often should I run a test on my smoke detector device?

Answer – I recommend running monthly tests on your smoke detector to identify any malfunctioning.

Q3. How long do batteries last in smoke detectors?

Answer – Usually, your smoke detector device batteries last for about six months. Replacing the batteries within this duration is highly recommended. 

Q4. What to do if my smoke detector won’t stop blinking red after an initial smoke alarm?

Answer – If your smoke detector doesn’t stop blinking red after an initial smoke alarm, the reason may be the residual smoke or Carbon Monoxide in the surroundings. Hence you see the Carbon Monoxide detector blinking red. In such scenarios, allow fresh air to flow by opening doors and windows. After you ensure ventilation, reset your smoke detector device.

Conclusion

A red blinking[ light on your smoke detector may not always be a sign of an emergency. So, do not panic if you see a flashing light on your smoke detector. Instead, look for the reason and try to fix it. If a loud and shrieking sound accompanies the flashing light, you must raise the alarm and ask for help. 

The following guide may be helpful to you to watch out for warning signs.

ALARM	POSSIBLE REASONS
Flashing red light after 30-60 seconds on the smoke detector with no sound.	The behavior is not alarming and signifies the normal functioning of the device.
Flashing red light on smoke detector every 10 seconds with no sound	Mostly not alarming but requires a test run. Normal flashing behavior should resume after the test.
Red flashing light and shrieking sound	Smoke detected. Move to fresh air as soon as possible.

If you too wondered ‘why is my smoke detector blinking red,’ this article must have given you a detailed answer to your question. Installing a smoke detector at your home is non-negotiable, but maintaining the same is equally crucial.  If you have not been spending time on the maintenance of your device till now, it is never late.

Wishing you a safe and healthy life!