Testing And Replacing Batteries For Carbon Monoxide Detectors And Smoke Alarms

June 13, 2016 by Anas Mustafa

Smoke alarms and CO detectors are musts in all homes. At Canadian Security Professionals we believe even if you’re living in an all-electric home, you should install CO alarms. CO can seep into your house from an attached garage or if you have a backup generator too close to your living quarters in the event of a power outage.

The only effective way for homeowners to monitor carbon monoxide levels is to invest in one or more carbon monoxide detectors that “sniff” the air and sound an alarm when CO levels become hazardous.

Early carbon monoxide detectors were chemically treated pads that turned dark in the presence of CO. Today, many provide CO readings in PPMs (parts per million) and “peak level” measurements between readings.

Devices on every floor

As for smoke alarms, you’ll need ones for each bedroom that detect flaming and smoldering fires, with at least one alarm installed on each floor, including a finished attic and the basement. You should also have a CO alarm on each living level, in the basement, and near (not inside) an attached garage.

After having chosen the right alarms and detectors for your home, it’s important to keep them in proper working order. This entails testing and replacing their batteries.

Twice a year

Consider doing this when the clocks fall back and hour and then again when spring forward (unless the manufacturer suggests otherwise).

In addition to replacing smoke alarm and CO detector batteries, remember these important safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms and CO detectors on every level of the home;
• Keep units clean because dust may prevent them from working properly;
• Listen for the smoke alarm “chirping” noise, which indicates low battery power. Replace those batteries immediately;
• Test smoke alarms and CO detectors weekly and vacuum them monthly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding battery replacement. Replace CO detectors every five years and smoke alarms every 10 years. Devices lose their sensitivity over time, so the fresher, the better.

You installed those alarms to stay safe. If you think that your alarms’ old batteries have some “life” left, use them in a product that doesn’t have to do with safety. Or consider a switch to newer model alarms with lithium-ion power sources that last 10 years.

Our informed and helpful staff here at Canadian Security Professionals can suggest some options. Give us a call today.