Smoke Alarms

As a home inspector, one common issues that we encounter during your inspections is yellowed smoke detectors. The discoloration can be a concern for homeowners and buyers, as it can indicate various issues. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons why smoke detectors turn yellow, what it means, and what homeowners can do about it.

1. UV Light Exposure

One of the primary reasons for yellowing of smoke detectors is prolonged exposure to UV light. This happens when the smoke detector is installed in an area where it's exposed to direct sunlight or artificial light. Over time, the UV rays can cause the plastic to discolor and turn yellow. This discoloration does not affect the performance of the detector, but it can make it less aesthetically pleasing.

1. Age

Another reason why smoke detectors turn yellow is age. Over time, the plastic of the detector can deteriorate and discolor due to exposure to heat, humidity, and other environmental factors. If your smoke detector is over ten years old, it may be time to replace it, even if it's not yellow.

1. Smoking

If someone in the household smokes, it can also cause smoke detectors to turn yellow. Smoke can leave a residue on the detector, causing it to discolor. If the yellowing is due to smoking, it's important to clean the detector regularly to ensure that it continues to work correctly.

1. Chemical Exposure

Smoke detectors may also turn yellow due to exposure to chemicals. If a homeowner uses cleaning products, paints, or other chemicals in the same room as the smoke detector, it can cause discoloration. Some of the chemicals can interact with the plastic and cause it to yellow.

1. Fire

While less common, a smoke detector can also turn yellow due to a fire. If a fire occurs in the home, the smoke detector may become yellowed due to the high temperature and exposure to smoke and flames.
What Does Yellowing Smoke Detector Mean?
While yellowing of a smoke detector may not impact the performance of the device, it's important to take note of it. A yellowed smoke detector may be an indication of aging or other issues, and it's important to investigate further to ensure that it's working correctly. In addition, if the yellowing is due to smoking, it may be a sign of poor indoor air quality.
What Should Homeowners Do?
If you notice that your smoke detector has turned yellow, the first step is to check the age of the device. If it's over ten years old, it's time to replace it, regardless of whether it's still working correctly or not. Homeowners should also clean the detector regularly to remove any smoke or other residues that may cause yellowing.
If the yellowing is due to exposure to UV light or chemicals, homeowners should try to reduce the exposure. For example, they can move the detector to a different location or use curtains or blinds to block out direct sunlight. If the yellowing is due to smoking, it's important to stop smoking indoors and improve the home's ventilation to ensure that the indoor air quality is healthy.
In conclusion, yellowing of smoke detectors is a common issue that homeowners may encounter. While it may not affect the performance of the device, it's important to investigate further to ensure that the detector is working correctly. If you're a homeowner, be sure to take steps to prevent yellowing, such as regular cleaning and reducing exposure to UV light or chemicals.