Smoke Detector in Hush Mode: What Does This Mean

Smoke detectors are a crucial component of home safety, designed to alert us to potential fire hazards and keep us out of harm's way. The sound of a smoke detector alarm is intentionally loud and annoying, as it serves as a warning signal for us to evacuate our homes quickly when danger is detected. That whole concept flies out the window if the smoke detector is busy whispering that you’re potentially facing your home going up in flames.

However, there are situations where your smoke detector will think that there’s dangerous activity in the home, when in reality you’re just making dinner for your hungry family. Let’s examine how “hush mode” works, what options are available to you, and why you might want to use it.

Hush Mode: A Temporary Measure

The hush mode on a smoke detector is a temporary solution that allows you to address potential false alarms, without the incessant blaring of the alarm. For example, if you know that the smoke detector is overly sensitive, and will always be triggered when you use oil with a high smoke point in the kitchen, then you can hit the hush mode to desensitize and the detector for about seven minutes, during which the alarm will be silent. As long as the smoke is thin enough, the alarm will be silent until it lets out a chirp every half minute or so. While the chirps may be annoying, they’re far less bothersome than having to wave a towel in front of the smoke alarm to get it to turn off every few minutes or just suffering with the loud blaring sound.

In most cases, you can find the ‘hush’ button on the smoke detector’s cover. However, if you have trouble finding the button or are not sure if your detector has the feature, check out your user manual. Also, always make sure you seek guidance from an expert at your security company before you tinker with the detector to ensure you aren’t compromising the effectiveness of your device.

How Hush Mode Works on a Smoke Detector

Once the designated time of seven minutes has gone by, the smoke detector will reset itself completely. It will stop the chirping noises and the alarm will automatically return to its original state. This means that homeowners don’t have to remember to turn the smoke detector on and off every time they cook, take a shower, or light a match. The only warning with this feature is that if there’s still smoke hanging in the air after 7 minutes, the alarm will sound.

In some smoke detectors, there’s also an advanced “smart hush” feature that will disable the alarm for about eight minutes or so. It works similarly to the regular hush feature, except it can’t be used unless the alarm is actually going off. Smart hush will usually feature a red light flashing as opposed to a chirp to indicate that it’s in hush mode.

Important Hush Mode Considerations

Hush mode on smoke detectors can be an extremely safe and valuable temporary measure when used properly. However, it is essential to consider the lifespan of your smoke detectors and explore more advanced options, such as smart smoke detectors, for long-term peace of mind. The average lifespan of a smoke detector is around 10 years. Overly sensitive alarms are usually why homeowners use the hush feature.

If you find yourself frequently using the hush feature due to an overly sensitive alarm, it might be time to replace or update your smoke detectors completely. New smart smoke detectors offer a more advanced alternative, as they are designed to provide alerts only in the presence of real threats, such as dangerous flames or carbon monoxide. This includes both dangerous flames and carbon monoxide. It can also tell you if the fire alarm is triggered if you’re not in the house by contacting you on your smartphone. Depending on how much you cook at home, how hot you like to take your showers, and other lifestyle factors, this might be the most ideal solution for you and your family.

Smart Life Safety Devices

When it comes to fire safety devices, you can never be too cautious. Other common fire safety devices include the following:

Carbon Monoxide Detector: These detectors give you an early warning when they sense potentially poisonous gas or CO build up in the air of your home.

Brinks Home FireFighter: Already have smoke detectors? Easily connect them to your system with a FireFighter wireless sensor. When a smoke detector goes off, the sensor sends a signal to your control panel and our response center for immediate assistance.

Enhancing Your Home Security

In addition to replacing or upgrading your smoke detectors, there are numerous ways to bolster the security of your home against various threats. For comprehensive home security solutions, consider calling Brinks Home™ today. We offer a wide range of equipment and solutions to make your home a safer place, protecting your property from criminals, natural disasters, and more.