A fire alarm provides an important sense of security. However, there are times when having one of these alarm systems seems like somewhat of a nuisance. One of these times is when the system goes off for a false alarm. Aside from a unit that needs to be replaced, learn about some of these instances. 

1. Excess Humidity Levels

Too much humidity in the air can be a problem primarily because a fire alarm will sometimes interpret the thick, moisture-filled air in the same manner that it does smoke. If you notice that your system is going off more commonly on days when it is humid outside, it may be a good idea to check to ensure your home's air conditioning is properly removing moisture from the air or if your alarm's sensor is working right.

2. Dirty Sensor

Every fire alarm has a built-in sensor that is intended to detect the presence of smoke or fire. However, these sensors really just detect the presence of anything except clean, non-smoke-filled air. For this reason, a collection of dust on the sensor can trigger it to activate and sound an alarm. If you have your fire alarm serviced regularly, a technician will also clean it for you to avoid this problem.

3. Pest Infestation

A pest infestation in the attic can also trigger a false alarm. Pest, particularly mice, tend to eat away at the wires that connect the alarm. When the wires are damaged, it causes it to glitch, which can include activating falsely. You will need to have the pest issue rectified and have the alarm repaired to resolve the matter. 

4. Poor Placement

If you happen to live in a new construction home and your alarms are going off, the problem could be the placement of the unit. For example, an alarm too close to the bathroom door or kitchen stove will lead to constant false alarms as the alarm will constantly be in the path of smoke and steam. The builder may not have relied on a fire alarm specialist for installation, so it is a good idea to have a professional come and look at moving the units.

If your fire alarm goes off repeatedly and you cannot find a clear reason why, it is a good idea to reach out to a fire alarm service professional. Have the fire alarm system assessed to see if it may be time for a replacement or if there is another issue. 

Share