4 Tips for Taking Care of Your Home’s Smoke Alarms

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Take care of your home's smoke detector.

Often, daily life gets in the way of remembering everything that comes with managing a home. These routine tasks must include smoke alarm care. Keeping your units functioning properly could one day mean the difference between incurring only minimal fire damage and losing everything. Therefore, it's vital to inspect and maintain them regularly. Consider these tips for taking care of a smoke detector.

Tips for Taking Care of a Smoke Detector

1. Maintaining the System

Dust or vacuum your alarms regularly to free the unit of dust and other contaminants. These particles can interfere with the alarm's detection ability.

2. Testing the Units

Manufacturers of all types of smoke alarms recommend testing them at least once each month to ensure they're functioning correctly. You can try them by pressing the test button on each unit. You can go a step further and test them by introducing a small amount of smoke near them.

3. Replacing the Batteries

A smoke detector that runs on a nine-volt battery should have the battery replaced at least once a year. A smoke alarm that utilizes a "long-life" lithium battery doesn't have the capability of replacing the battery. Therefore, the unit itself must be replaced (consult the manufacturer's instructions). An alarm that's hardwired into the home's electrical system has a battery backup. You should replace the backup battery at least once a year.

4. Replacing the Units

Whatever type of smoke detectors you have in your home in Clearfield, UT, fire damage experts recommend replacing the units themselves every 10 years from the manufacture date. You can find this date on the back of the device.

When you're checking off the list of routine home tasks, don't forget smoke alarm maintenance. Taking these proactive steps could prove to be one of the most important jobs you perform if the worst happens. Take care of your alarm system to ensure the welfare of your family and home.