Purchase the Right Kind of Smoke Detector

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Consider these options when you purchase smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—the decisions you make could save your home and your life!

When you shop for smoke (and carbon monoxide) detectors for your home, you’ll actually have a surprising number of choices to make. Maybe you’ve purchased a new home and are starting fresh with new detectors. Or perhaps you are replacing your old detectors piecemeal (typical smoke detector lifespan is ten years; carbon monoxide detectors need to be replaced at five to seven years) or all at once. Either way, read this article for a walk-through of features to consider when you’re making your purchase.

Consider These Features

1.  Know What’s Required

Start by checking your local regulations. Your state or town may specify what types of smoke detectors  to use, as well as where they should be installed.

2.  Always Choose UL-Approved Devices

In the store, check the packaging for the Underwriters Laboratories label, which guarantees that your smoke or carbon monoxide detector meets or exceeds accepted safety and operations standards.

3.  Wired or Battery?

Battery-operated detectors are easy to install by yourself, and they will still work during a power failure. Hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed by an electrician and tied into your home’s wiring; they usually have backup batteries.

4.  Standard or Smart?

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors alert you to problems when you’re away from home, but they can be expensive and don’t always give you complete protection. You may want to supplement smart detectors with some additional dual-sensor smoke detectors.

5.  What About Interconnected Detectors?

Interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will sound alarms at every unit in the house when any single device detects smoke or carbon monoxide. This is a big advantage in a larger home with multiple floors. The system can be connected with wiring or wirelessly; newer homes may even be pre-wired. Before you buy, check with the manufacturer to see which detector models will work together.

(Note that interconnected detectors are required for a home sale in many states.)

6.  What About Voice Alerts?

Because children tend to sleep more deeply than adults, they might not even hear a conventional alarm. Even though it’s not been proven to be more effective, some detectors use a voice alert to warn you of a fire.

If you suffer a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield for professional fire damage cleanup services. We show up pronto to evaluate the damage and map out a plan, then we clean, repair and restore your home, furnishings and personal items, removing all traces of soot and smoke, including smoke smell, leaving everything back in pre-fire condition.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) any time.

If you’ve suffered fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836

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If you’ve suffered fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836