[upstate]

Originally Posted by DangeloInspections

memason is correct.
I too would suggest calling the 800 number. They will want to know the model number, etc....

You do not say how old the smoke detector is, or weather it is a smoke detector only or one of the combo Smoke/CO detectors.

Smoke detectors go bad every so often. If they are approaching the ten year mark, I strongly suggest replacing them with new ones. For the important job they do and the low cost of them, it is a wise decision.

If you do replace your smoke detectors, I strongly suggest switching to a photoelectric smoke alarm over the less expensive ionization smoke alarms that most folks have.


The issue is a bit complex and not without controversy. The public is rightfully confused about them.

In a nutshell, ionization alarms go off quicker in a FLAMING fire, but do have more false alarms, which lead foolish people to disable them. Photoelectric alarms go off much quicker in SMOLDERING fires. They do make dual alarms, which have both.

This has nothing to do with Carbon Monoxide alarms- a different subject.

Anyway, without knowing the age and type of alarm you are speaking about, the only advice worthy of offering is as memason wisely suggested.....call First Alert.

Good luck!

Frank D'Angelo, ACI

+1, beat me to it Frank. I prefer to change detectors every five years, they are inexpensive compared to the possible alternatives.