Nuisance Smoke Alarms When its Cold Outside

Feb 13, 2009

Your smoke alarm may sound when its very cold outside, or if a door adjacent to a heated area is opened, like in an entryway.  This is due to condensation (water vapor) in the detection chamber.  The sensor is a particle sensing device, when water condenses in the sensor the unit will go into alarm.  The operating temperature of a smoke alarm is between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit  (4-38 degrees Celsius).  If the unit is in a garage or attic, you should consider replacing it with a heat alarm, which is not affected by condensation.