Put Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors on Your To-Do List as the Seasons Change

Put Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors on Your To-Do List as the Seasons ChangeAs summer turns to autumn and you’re compiling your next list of things to do around the home, don’t overlook your smoke alarms and CO detectors. Having properly working smoke alarms and CO detectors in your house can save you and your family’s lives from both very real hazards in the home – fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.Taking Care of Your Alarms

Your smoke and CO detectors are hard at work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are constantly scanning for signs of smoke and CO. As with any electrical product, constant use can take its toll on interior components, and most smoke alarms and CO detectors have a 5-7 year life span and should be replaced after this time. The risk of failure increases after the equipment’s service life is over.

If your smoke or CO alarm uses a battery, you should test it monthly by pushing the little test button on the alarm. Batteries should be switched out no less than annually, even if the test indicates they’re still working.

Buying New Alarms

If you are replacing your smoke detector, you may notice there are two types: ionization and photoelectric. These simply differ in the method that they use to detect smoke. For the best protection, either use both types in your house or purchase a dual-sensor alarm. While many houses have just one or two smoke and CO detectors installed, experts now recommend having one of each type of alarm on each floor of the home, and especially near any sleeping areas. A CO alarm also should be placed near the door to the attached garage, since this is one place where carbon monoxide is more likely to infiltrate into your living space. The cost for smoke alarms and CO detectors is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

For more information about smoke alarms and CO detectors, please contact us at Overland Park Heating & Cooling. We have been offering quality HVAC services and advice to the Greater Kansas City area since 1983.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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