Tips For Smoke Detector

 Factors to Consider When Buying a Smoke Detector

Power Type

For smoke detectors, you can choose between a hardwired setup, battery-powered setup, or a combination of both. Buying a smoke detector that has to be hardwired into your home provides an advantage in that you won’t have to check batteries constantly as the device is continuously supplied with power. The downside is that your smoke detector won’t work in the event of a power outage unless it has a backup battery. A combination of both power sources is the best setup for ease and reliability. Choosing a battery-powered smoke detector may make installation easy, but you’ll have to be sure to check the batteries regularly for your safety.

Alarm Type

Choose between a photoelectric, ionization, or a combination of both types for a smoke alarm. Both types have their benefits, but it’s important to keep in mind that there are different types of fires. A photoelectric smoke alarm is designed to capture smoldering and slow-burning fires, while an ionization smoke alarm will detect fast-burning fires. The best choice is finding a smoke detector with dual-sensing capability for smoldering and fast-burning fires.

Additional Features

Other features you’ll find today with smoke alarms are LED lighting and carbon monoxide detection. Smoke alarms with an LED light that is triggered during an emergency can provide helpful lighting, especially if an emergency occurs at night. LED strobe lighting is also helpful for the hearing impaired to alert them. Combination smoke and CO detectors are even better, allowing you to be alerted for fire and dangerous levels of CO in your home.

Where to Install Smoke Detectors

Engineer recommends installing smoke detectors in the following locations:
*In each bedroom
*Right outside of sleeping areas
*On every floor in your home
*In living room areas
*Near stairwells
*Within 10 ft. of cooking appliances
These devices need to be installed on the ceiling or up high on walls. If you have a pitched ceiling, you should place your smoke detector within 3 ft. of the roof’s peak.

Benefits of Smoke Detectors

Every smoke detector has one goal – to improve fire and smoke safety. The choices are endless but should be tailored to what works best for your home. You can buy a smoke detector as a standalone device or with a home security system. Remember to always buy from a trusted manufacturer, and read all manuals before installment. For assistance with installing and understanding  the smoke detector requirements contact your local fire department. Regardless of the options, smoke detectors aren’t optional when it comes to home safety. Here are the most common benefits.
*Faster smoke detection. The sooner the detector finds danger, the better. Extra seconds to safely evacuate the home could save you from inhaling life-threatening smoke and fumes. Remember to have a fire evacuation plan for a fast and safe exit if the alarm sounds.
*Cost-effective fire safety. Most smoke detectors cost less than $15 and can often be purchased in sets of two or more for better cost savings. Smoke detectors with smart technology can be more costly but come with added benefits such as mobile notifications of smoke, voice commands and easy syncing to other home devices. For just a few bucks, you’ll have peace of mind while preparing your humble abode for the unthinkable.
*Easy monitoring. Smoke detector check-ups are often quick and easy. It’s as simple as setting a monthly reminder to vacuum the detector free of dust and changing the batteries annually. Even during weather preparedness, most smoke alarms include backup batteries to continue monitoring during power outages. These regular routines keep the home ready for the first sign of trouble.

Smoke Detector Maintenance Tips

*Always be aware of the expiration date of your smoke alarm. Most smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
*Set reminders to test and clean smoke detectors monthly to ensure they are clean and working properly. Even if batteries aren’t low, they should be changed annually.
*It is reported that most home fire deaths occur during the night hours. As a protective measure, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom and keep it free from windows and air vents.
*The best placement for smoke detectors is on the ceiling, but if you have to mount them on the wall, make sure it’s within 6-12 inches from the ceiling. Also, avoid placing smoke alarms within 10 feet of kitchen gadgets to avoid false alarms.