3 Important Tips for Smoke Alarm Maintenance

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarm maintenance in a Walterhill, TN

Smoke Alarm Maintenance

When you have a smoke alarm in your Walterhill, TN, home, it’s important to properly maintain the unit. A functional alarm helps you prevent large-scale damage by alerting you to the danger of a house fire in time to call the fire department. Afterward, a local fire restoration service can help with repairs. Here are three important tips for maintaining any alarms located in your home.

1. Regularly Change the Batteries

One way to help keep your smoke detector working so that it can alert you in time to avoid fire damage is to replace the batteries regularly. This should be done at least once a year. Most people choose an easy day to remember, such as daylight savings, on which to change their alarm batteries and inspect the unit.

2. Keep the Unit Clean

Keeping your smoke alarm clean can also help it retain its functionality. In many cases, you can clean the unit at the same time you change the batteries. A damp cloth can be used to carefully wipe off the outside, while compressed air can be used to clean the inside. This is also a good time to check if the unit may need to be replaced.

3. Replace Old Models

If your smoke detector looks to be in poor repair or if it has been in service longer than the recommended usage date, then it’s important to replace the alarm as quickly as possible. On average the lifespan of these devices is around eight years. However, if you experience problems with anyone in your home, it’s a good idea to choose a new unit as well.

Maintaining a smoke alarm by changing the batteries, cleaning it, and replacing it when it is expired is an important part of protecting your home against a fire. A little maintenance now can prevent a disaster in the future.