How To Keep Your Smoke Alarms in Shape

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Remember to change batteries on a yearly basis

Learn How And When To Change Your Alarm

Smoke alarms are a cornerstone of home safety. When alarms need attention, they produce an annoying beep. It's crucial to pay attention to this signal and keep your fire alarms in good working condition. If the alarms in your Bastrop, TX, home are beeping, learn about how and when to change them below.

Changing Smoke Alarm Batteries
Smoke alarms come in many styles, so it's always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you can't access these, don't panic. Most conventional smoke detectors operate in similar ways, so the method for changing a battery will be the same. Here are the basics for changing a battery and ending that piercing chirp and preventing fire damage:

1. Remove the cover. Depending on the model, you may have to twist, hinge, or lift the alarm's cover to remove it. The main parts inside the alarm are the sensing chamber, a horn, and a battery.
2. Replace the battery. To do this, you have to unclip the old battery and insert a new 9-volt battery in its place. Be sure to align the battery terminals correctly.
3. Close the cover. Return the alarm cover to its locked position by snapping it shut or locking it back into its base.
4. Test it. Find the test button on the detector and push it to ensure the battery works. The detector should beep or chirp when the button is pressed.
   

Timing Battery Changes
By proactively replacing your fire alarm batteries, you can avoid the bothersome beeps as well as prevent the more devastating event of a fire and ensuing smoke damage. Batteries in most detectors last about 6 months, so changing them twice yearly keeps you ahead of the issue. A helpful tip is to change them on the weekends when we switch between daylight savings and standard time. If you have a lithium battery smoke detector, you will have to replace the entire unit every 10 years.
All smoke detectors contain batteries and you should listen when they start beeping. Take care of your home's safety and regularly change your fire alarm batteries.