Most homeowners move into their homes that already have smoke alarms installed. They rarely think about them unless they go off, though they probably perform routine maintenance. If your detector is over ten years old, it’s a good idea to replace it. Whether you choose a similar model or want to go all out, the question is whether or not to consider hardwired or battery-operated devices. Some people use a combination of both to ensure that they get the best of both worlds.
It’s also essential that you test the alarm frequently. If it continues to chirp or sound after replacing the batteries or doesn’t make a noise when you test it, you should also consider purchasing new ones.
Maintenance
With a battery-operated alarm, you have less maintenance to consider. They’re also easier to install. Most of the time, they come with screws. You can choose to put them directly where the old ones were, which means you don’t have to create new holes. Plus, all you have to do is replace the batteries when it starts chirping. Most authority figures recommend that you replace the batteries twice a year during Daylight Savings Time, even if those batteries still seem to work.
Hardwired devices have to be connected to the power supply and must be installed by a professional. Along with that, power has to be off before any maintenance is done.
Stand-Alone
Smoke alarms that use batteries are stand-alone, which means they aren’t changed together. With hardwired versions, you can interconnect them so that if one sounds, they all do. This can be helpful in some situations, but a stand-alone alarm is usually loud enough to be heard throughout the home.
Smoke alarms are there to protect your family. Consider best quality battery operated smoke alarms ones that don’t require special maintenance or installation. Visit First Alert to learn more.
