Smoke Detector Safety & Maintenance
It's important to change the batteries in your smoke detectors regularly to ensure they're working properly and to keep your home safe in the event of a fire:
Risk of death: A working smoke alarm can cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half! Did you hear that, half!
Battery failure: Most smoke alarm failures are caused by dead or missing batteries! We are placing exclamation marks here because we feel you are a life worth saving and feel that we can not stress how crucial it is to change those batteries!
Residual power: When the battery runs out, the device will switch to residual power, which will eventually drain and leave the device unable to beep.
Battery voltage: As the temperature drops at night, the battery's chemical reaction slows and the voltage lowers.
Battery type: Smoke detectors can use either 9V batteries or two or three AA batteries. AA batteries have about three times as much energy as a 9V.
You can test your smoke detectors by pressing the "test" button on the exterior alarm. If the detector doesn't respond, you should check the batteries and replace them if they're low.
You can also consider installing a combination hard-wired alarm with battery back-up for the best protection.
When it comes to placing smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to ensure maximum protection. Here’s an overview:
Smoke Detectors Placement
Smoke detectors are essential for early warning in the event of a fire. Here are recommended placements:
Inside and outside bedrooms: Place smoke alarms inside every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. If you have a two-story home, ensure there are alarms on each level.
On every level of the home: You should have at least one smoke detector on every floor, including basements.
In the kitchen: Place a smoke detector at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to reduce the chance of false alarms. Avoid placing it directly above stovetops or near air vents.
In hallways and stairways: If a hallway leads to bedrooms, place an alarm in that hallway. Also, install alarms near stairways to cover multiple levels.
Basement and attics: If your basement is used as a living space, include a smoke detector there. If your attic is accessible, it’s also a good idea to have one installed.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Placement
CO detectors are critical for preventing poisoning from colorless, odorless carbon monoxide gas:
Near sleeping areas: Place a CO detector near bedrooms so it can wake you up if levels become dangerous during the night.
On each level of the home: Just like smoke alarms, CO detectors should be installed on every level of the home, including basements.
Near gas-burning appliances: Install detectors in rooms with gas-burning appliances (like the kitchen or laundry room) but not directly next to the appliances. Place them at least 5-10 feet away to avoid false alarms.
Avoid bathrooms or overly humid areas: Moisture from showers can interfere with the sensor’s accuracy.
NETR IncFor convenience, you can install combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which monitor for both hazards in one device. These should follow the same placement guidelines as above.
Smoke Inspections When Selling a Home
When selling a home, local fire departments often require a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector inspection. Here’s how the process generally works:
Inspection Requirement: In many states (like Massachusetts, for example), an inspection certificate proving that smoke and CO detectors are properly installed and functional is required before a home can be sold. This is typically known as a Certificate of Compliance.
Inspector’s Role: The fire department inspector will visit the property to ensure the proper number and placement of detectors according to local fire safety regulations. They will test the detectors to ensure they are in working order.
First Line Fire Extinguisher
Potential Upgrades: If your home has older smoke detectors, you may need to upgrade them to meet current standards. For instance, newer regulations often require detectors to be photoelectric, or to include a sealed, long-life battery.
Certificates: Once the inspector certifies that the detectors are properly installed, you’ll be issued a certificate that can be presented during the sale of the home.
Clarity Home Inspection
Additional Tips:
Test detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly.
Replace smoke detectors every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors every 5-7 years.
Keep detectors free of dust and debris, and change batteries annually unless you have long-life batteries.
These steps ensure that your home is compliant with safety standards and protected against fire and carbon monoxide hazards, which is also critical when preparing to sell a property.