When it comes to maintaining the safety of your home, investing in a few accessories and security systems becomes inevitable. Today, property owners prefer installing smoke alarms over fire alarms due to the many benefits it offers. Smoke detectors expose particles in the air that eventually build up into a fire. With that said, smoke detectors can sometimes identify fires even before fire alarms can. Also, since several fires do not get detected promptly, a smoke detector is the best to use. From smouldering fires to smoky flames, smoke detectors can alert even the most minute happenings!
Four users tips to know
According to a recent survey, house fires in Australia cause more deaths than other hazards. Undeniably, fire and smoke detectors are inevitably necessary for all homes. Photoelectric alarms are typical of ionisation alarms when it comes to domestic usage. However, if this is your first take with smoke alarms, you might find using and handling it to be slightly tricky. However, maintaining these alarms with appropriate care is necessary. here is a list of four quick tips that can come to the rescue,
1. Choosing the right spot for installation
To begin with, you need to ensure that you get the alarms installed at a focal point of your home. In other words, identify sensitive spots at your home where a possible fire might occur. Additionally, ensure that the detector gets set in a place from where the alarm can be heard by everyone in the house. So, ensure you have the alarms near the bedrooms and the living space. The detector can comfortably be in areas like the kitchen or basement. If your place has more than one storey, ensure to put up a sensor and an alarm at each level. Most alarms are wall-mountable. So, lastly, watch out if they get installed at the right height from the ceiling.
2. The Limitations
When it comes to installing smoke detectors, there are several red flags to watch out for. Never place smoke detectors near exhaust fans and air ducts, as some alarms can be sensitive to air particles or even mild, harmless smoke. In such cases, fake alarms may arise, which can turn annoying over time. Also, avoid smoke alarm installations near bathroom showers and kitchen stoves, as the steam may get misinterpreted frequently. But that does not imply you cannot have a smoke alarm in the kitchen. All you have to do is ensure that the unit is at least eight to ten feet away from gas stoves and other kitchen appliances.
3. The after-care
Once you get a smoke detector installed, ensure you maintain it the right way. It is advisable to have a functional test at least once a month to ensure that the alarms are well in place and working. With that said, you need to test all the units. Apart from the monthly test, keep up with dusting and brushing the exterior of the alarm units. If the alarm is at a height, you can also use a vacuum cleaner with the brush mode to solely dust the surface.
4. Watch out for the signs
Your smoke detector might need a repair or a fix occasionally. However, apart from the monthly tests, several signs indicate that the alarm needs a fixture or replacement. It is never advisable to overlook these signs. One of the typical signs is that the detector can go off for no reason. On the flip side, too much noise from the alarm or constant false alarms is another sign that the unit requires attention.