Why Does My Smoke Detector Go Off When There Is No Smoke?

Batteries

• The first thing to inspect are the batteries. As the batteries of a smoke detector near the end of their lives, the smoke detector begins to emit periodic warning beeps to let the owner know that new batteries are needed. If this is the case, simply replace the batteries with a new set, and the alarms should stop.

Other Sources of False Alarms

• Smoke from cooking or a fireplace can set off the fire alarm; that much is obvious, but less obvious are some of the other things that can trick the smoke detector into thinking the house has caught fire. Smoke detectors can mistake steam, such as from a hot shower, for smoke and trip the alarm if a little smoke gets too close. In addition, fumes from fresh paint have been known to set off smoke detectors. If a smoke detector has a heat alarm as well, then nearby fluorescent lighting can set off the heat detector. Simply move the smoke detector so that it is a few more feet away from the lighting fixture, and everything should be okay.

Dirty Detector

• If the batteries are fresh and there is nothing in sight that could contribute to a false alarm, your smoke detector could simply be dirty. As dirt, hair and dust accumulate inside the detector, the debris can interfere with the unit's effective operation and trip the alarm. Consult your manual for instructions on how to clean your model, but a simple vacuum cleaner will perform the job for most alarms without causing any damage.

Broken Detector

• If all else fails, your smoke detector may simply be broken. Smoke detectors are designed to last around five to seven years; if your detector is older than this, its components may simply be failing, and replacing the smoke detector might be your only option. Before heading to the hardware store, consult with your local fire department. In the interests of public safety, many fire departments will service and replace fire safety equipment like smoke detectors free of charge or at a substantial discount.