As children in school, you performed regular drills for what to do in case of an emergency – whether it was a tornado or a fire. However, as homeowners, people often forget about these important lessons and ignore their smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are critically important. These devices are designed to alert your family if an emergency occurs while there is time to escape. This is why it is critical to keep them functioning properly. 

When to test your smoke detectors

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, you should:

  • Check smoke detectors once per month. 
    • It can be helpful to time this with the first of each month.
  • Replace smoke detector batteries twice per year.

If your smoke detector starts beeping without being touched, giving false alarms, or is activated often by kitchen smoke, you may want to test it or replace the batteries more often. 

How to test your smoke detectors

Smoke detectors have a small button on them that is used for testing. By pressing this button, your smoke detector should sound the alarm. Have other family members listen for the alarm in other areas of the home to ensure that it can be heard throughout. If it can’t, you may want to install additional detectors. 

During the test, you should also replace any batteries if it has been longer than six months or if the sound is quiet or muffled. Take the opportunity to clean any dust from the unit as well, as this can prevent accurate readings if an actual fire occurred. You can use a vacuum to clean your detectors. 

When to replace smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are designed to last approximately 10 years. If it has been longer than 10 years, you should replace the detector, even if it still seems to be working properly. 

When to call for smoke detector maintenance and repairs

If you want to ensure your home is protected, you may want to consider hiring a company that specializes in smoke detector installation and maintenance. This company will also be able to perform any maintenance or repairs your fire alarm system may need, such as if your smoke alarms fail their monthly test. 

Smoke Detector & Fire Alarm Inspection & Replacement in Pembroke, Marshfield & Plymouth, MA

If you want to make sure your home and family are protected, contact Basco Security for inspection and replacement of your fire alarm and smoke detector systems. Basco Security can be reached by calling 781-294-4166 or filling out our online contact form.