Smoke detectors play a vital role in keeping you and your family safe. While most homeowners in Apex, Cary, Raleigh & Durham don’t have to think about them unless there is a problem, they don’t last forever, and it is important to keep track of the last time they were changed.
What Kind of Smoke Detectors Do You Have?
There are two main types – hardwired and battery operated. Do you know what kind you have? Hardwired detectors are connected to your home’s electrical system. They are seen as the safer option because they also have a battery in them. That means that in the event of a power outage, you’ll have a backup power supply. New, hardwired smoke detectors are also interconnected which means if one goes off, they all go off. This increases the safety of your home as it alerts everyone of the fire, no matter where they are at in the home.
Where Should You Have Smoke Detectors?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you should have smoke detectors in each bedroom, outside any sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. This is also the code requirement for any newly built homes.
Signs to Replace Your Smoke Detectors
Every smoke detector should have a label showing when they were made. If your smoke detectors do not have have a label on them, replacements for them are probably overdue. Some signs that it’s time to replace your detectors include:
- They Are Turning Yellow – Yellowing detectors are one of the most apparent signs that it is well past time to have them replaced. Smoke detectors turn yellow due to the fact they contain a substance called bromine. Bromine is flame retardant to help protect the detector from a fire, so it can alert you if one occurs. Over time, the substance becomes yellow because of exposure to things like heat, oxygen, and UV light.
- You Hear Chirping Constantly – This is a common sign that your detectors are on their last leg. Especially if it’s still happening even after replacing the batteries. Also, if your detectors are constantly making noise, you may start to tune it out, which could cause you to ignore the sound in the event of smoke or fire being present.
- Your Detector Doesn’t Make Noise When You Test It –The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing them monthly. This is the best practice to keep you and your home safe.
- They are At Least 10 Years Old – Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, so if you know they are at least 10 years old, they need to be replaced.
Our Recommendation
At AstroWatt, we only install hardwired smoke detectors when people request replacements. We believe that they provide an extra level of safety and security to a homeowner. Have you noticed you don’t have detectors in some places where they should be? Have you decided it’s time to replace yours, based on the signs above? Give us a call today at 984-600-0100 and we will get you on the schedule quickly!
