Important Facts Everyone Should Know About Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
As homeowner, the safety of your family members is an absolute priority. One method to make sure they are safe is to install Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors within your home. They can notify you in the situation of a fire, or carbon monoxide leak, allowing you and your family enough time to leave and seek assistance. In this article, we’ll explain the necessity to have smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors at your home, the different kinds available, and the reasons why the installation and maintenance of a professional is crucial.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms detect smoke and emit an alarm that sounds loud to warn you to the possibility of a fire. They operate by using photoelectric or ionization techniques to sense smoke molecules floating in the air. Smoke alarms that are ionized are more sensitive to burning fires, while photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective at detection of smoldering flames. It is recommended that houses have both kinds of smoke alarms in order for maximum protection.
There are two main kinds of smoke alarms that are available: battery-operated and hardwired. Battery-operated smoke alarms are easy to install and maintain but require regular battery replacements. Smoke alarms that are wired, on the other hand they are wired to the electrical system in your home and have batteries in the event there are power outages. They require professional installation but are more reliable in the long run.
Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month as well as replaced once every 10 years. It is essential to install smoke alarms in every bedroom and outside every sleeping space and on each level of your home, which includes the basement.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is generated through the insufficient combustion of fuels such as propane, natural gas and wood. CO is deadly when present in high concentrations, making it essential to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Carbon monoxide detectors function by sensing the amount of CO present in the air and emitting an alarm when the levels are unsafe. There are two kinds of CO detectors available including battery-operated and plug-in. The plug-in type of detectors requires professional installations, while battery-operated detectors are easy to install and maintain.
CO detectors should be checked at least once each month, and then replaced every 7 to 5-7 years. It is essential to put CO detectors close to sleeping areas and on all levels of your house, including the basement.
Combination Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Combination smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors provide dual protection all in one. They work by using both photoelectric and ionization sensors to detect smoke and CO levels. They also come with features like alarms for voice and digital displays to give additional information in the case that there is an incident.
Professional Installation and Maintenance
While smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detections can be easy to install, it’s important to employ a professional electrician to do the work. They can ensure that devices have been installed correctly and at the proper places, thus reducing the chance of false alarms or missing detections. Professional electricians can also perform regular maintenance to ensure that they are working well and to replace them when required.
DIY maintenance and installation can lead to potential risks like improper placement or faulty wiring, which can result in false alarms or, worse the failure to identify CO leaks or fires.
Local Electrician Harrington Park can assist with the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for your home. Our highly skilled electricians are proficient in a variety of electrical services for residential use, including the installation of safety devices like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. We can make sure that the equipment is installed correctly and are maintained regularly to give you peace of mind and ensuring the safety for your loved ones.
Conclusion
Alarms for smoke and CO detectors are essential safety devices for every home. They will notify you in the case of a fire or CO leak, giving you and your family enough time to get out and seek assistance. There are different types of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that are available and some are combo devices that provide double protection. It is important to have a professional electrician install and maintain these devices in order to reduce the risk of false alarms or missed detections.
At Local Electrician Harrington Park, we are committed to ensuring the safety of the homes of our customers. We offer a range of electrical services for homes, including the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms and Carbon monoxide detection. Call us today to make an appointment. Take the first step in ensuring the safety of your house and your family.