5 Telltale Signs You Need a New Smoke Detector

12 November, 2024 Hi-Lite Electric Inc.

There are many things we place in and around our homes to keep us protected and safe, including security cameras, locks, and fences. One of the major ones is a smoke detector that will notify us in case of any fires.

However, this is not just an “install it and forget it” type of situation; you need to keep an eye out for if and when it needs to be replaced. In this article, we’re going to break down the five signs that it’s time you got a new smoke detector.

Sign 1: Chirping Sounds

We all enjoy the lovely sound of birds chirping on a warm summer morning, and we can feel that lovely cool breeze in the air. However, we can all agree that there is one type of chirping that is simply aggravating to listen to and completely unnecessary.

The type of awful chirping we’re discussing is—you guessed it—coming from your smoke detector. This is quite a nuisance, especially when you’re simply trying to get a peaceful night’s sleep.

Should this happen to you, don’t fret; it is simply a very telling sign that you need to replace your smoke detector. Before you do that, try replacing the batteries first, as this might be an easy fix. However, if that doesn’t solve the issue, contact your local electrician companies in Toronto to ask about getting a new one.

Sign 2: Seeing Yellow

We’ve all heard the phrase “seeing red”, but what about when it comes to yellow? When you check your smoke detector, see if it is starting to turn yellow. This discolouration is actually the process of the plastic casing aging, causing it to have a yellow-ish hue.

Smoke detectors are made with flame-retardant materials, and one of the chemicals used to create this specific type of plastic is bromine. Over time, the bromine will slowly make its way toward the outer surface of the casing, which, in turn, makes it appear yellow.

If your smoke detector is in an area exposed to a lot of sunlight or heat, such as the kitchen, these factors can also speed up the chemical reaction. If you notice a tinge of yellow, don’t worry.

First, find out the year you purchased the smoke detector. It’s advisable to replace your smoke alarm every 10 years, and seeing yellow is the perfect time to check if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

Sign 3: No Response When Tested

Smoke alarms should be tested once a month to make sure they are in good working condition. You can do so by pressing the button labelled “test” on the alarm. When pushed, the detector should give off a loud siren or beep, meaning all is well and in order.

However, if you notice a bit of a delay in response, or worse, it doesn’t respond at all, this could indicate a larger problem. Check if the batteries are working, and if not, replace them. If this doesn’t work, contact local electrician companies in Toronto to have them inspect and help fix your smoke detector.

Sign 4: Manufacturer Recalls

When you buy a new smoke detector, make sure you register it. This is extremely important to do so, as sometimes manufacturers will issue a recall for smoke alarms because of faulty parts.

If you ignore these recalls, the non-working parts will severely affect your detector’s ability to function properly and could result in a serious situation. By registering your device, you will be notified if any recalls are issued to those who bought that specific type of smoke alarm.

However, be on the lookout for recalls by government agencies and your local fire department as well, and don’t ignore them. If you need to return your smoke alarm due to a recall, contact one of your local electrician companies in Toronto to have them properly uninstall the old one and put a new detector in for you.

Sign 5: It Goes Off No Matter the Reason

Have you found yourself cooking a nice meal after a long day and your smoke detector goes off for no apparent reason? We’ve all been there, trying to grab the nearest stool and frantically trying to turn it off.

If you notice this happening frequently, it could mean your smoke detector has become too sensitive and will go off from something small, such as cooking smoke or flying dust.

This is definitely an issue you don’t want to ignore. What if, one day, you hear the alarm for an emergency and simply ignore it because it’s always gone off for no reason before? If this is the situation you find yourself in, change the smoke detector immediately for your own safety and that of your loved ones.

How to Change Your Smoke Detector

Now that you’re familiar with all of the signs that it’s time to change your smoke alarm, let’s go over how exactly to accomplish that. First, find out whether you have a smoke detector that uses batteries or is hardwired.

If it has batteries, you can simply hang up your new alarm in the same place as the previous one. If it’s a hardwired one, then you’ll want to call up one of your local electrician companies in Toronto to have them set it up for you.

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

Having a properly functioning smoke alarm in your home is crucial for your safety and that of others as well. By knowing the signs of when to replace it and how to do so, you can ensure your home is protected in case of a fire emergency.

When it comes to your home, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Truly, it’s quite a simple process to replace a smoke alarm, but if you find yourself having difficulties, there are plenty of electrician companies in Toronto that will be glad to help you out.

For more information about the telltale signs you need a new smoke detector, call Hi-Lite Electric Inc. at 416-800-5536 in Toronto, 289-236-1333 in York, and 289-236-1347 in Peel. You can also contact us online.