Our Smoke & CO Detector uses photoelectric sensors, meaning it detects smoke through the distortion of a light beam inside the detector. Photoelectric smoke detectors will detect smoke faster than other detector types but can occasionally result in a false alarm. False alarms often occur when the device detects other particles in the air. Common false alarms are typically due to excess steam from a bathroom or kitchen, dust build-up inside the sensor, or (rarely) a tiny bug finding its way inside. 

You can prevent false alarms by cleaning the device once a month:

1. Make sure to remove the battery before cleaning

2. Open the cover and vacuum the dust off the sensing chamber at least once a month

3. Replace the battery after cleaning

4. Test the smoke detector to make sure the battery is working correctly

Vacuuming the device monthly should prevent dust or debris build-up, and is an especially good idea after you have experienced a false alarm. Never use water-based products to clean the Smoke & CO Detector, as this can damage the device. Also, make sure to install your Smoke & CO Detector away from anything that will produce steam.

If there is a false alarm triggered by steam, dust, or debris, the primary contacts of that location will receive an alarm text prior to being called. The alarm text will notify you of the alarm at your location, but cannot be used to cancel the alarm or the request for emergency services. The first primary contact of that location will receive a phone call and can cancel the alarm event over the phone. You can cancel a Smoke alarm without needing to provide the agent with your Safe Word. You can also cancel a Smoke alarm by disarming your keypad with your PIN. If you don’t disarm your system or answer the phone call to cancel, we will place a call to your local fire department to request assistance at the location of your system. 

If the Smoke & CO Detector detects CO, three things will happen at once. You will receive an alarm text, you will be called, and emergency services will be requested to the location of your system’s address. There is not a way to cancel the request for dispatch of emergency services when a CO detector is triggered, as Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening occurrence.