What Type of Smoke Detectors Do You Need?
Is it time to replace your smoke detectors? If they’re old or outdated, they’re a safety risk. Old, failing smoke detectors cause thousands of preventable fires every year. A new smoke detector can save your life.
This is a great time to buy new smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. SESCOS is currently running a special on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Save money while getting your home, pets, and family the protection they need.
When Should You Replace Your Smoke Detectors?
Smoke detectors are an easy, inexpensive way to protect your home and family from dangerous, costly fires. Here’s how to make sure they’re working properly.
- Replace your smoke detectors every 10 years. If you’re not sure how old the ones in your home are, err on the side of safety by replacing them.
- Change the batteries every six months.
- Press the “test” button and hold it for five seconds. If the alarm goes off, the detector is working.
- If you test an alarm and it doesn’t work, try replacing the battery. If it still doesn’t work, replace it.
What Types of Smoke Detectors Are Available?
You now have options when it comes to smoke detectors. There are two types that the National Fire Protection Association recommends for residential use.
Ionization Smoke Alarms
Ionization alarms use electrically charged particles called ions to detect smoke in the air. These alarms alert you to large, sudden flames and fire. If you have a grease fire in your kitchen or a flaming log that rolls out of your fireplace, the alarm will sound.
It’s important to detect fire and flames, but these are not the only type of fire you could face. If you want full protection, you need alarms that also sense smoldering fires.
Photoelectric Smoke Detectors
Photoelectric sensors detect fires that burn at a low level over long periods of time. They use highly sensitive light beams to detect smoke before there’s fire.
If a spark from a cigarette or an electrical wire lands somewhere and you don’t see it, this type of alarm will alert you to the presence of smoke.
Smoldering fires fill the air with smoke before they burst into flame. Photoelectric sensors let you know that there are dangerous levels of smoke and gas in the air.
Smart Smoke Detectors
With smart smoke detectors, you can get alerts about fire, smoke and carbon monoxide even if you’re away from home. These smart-systems send a voice or sound alert to your cell phone or tablet. Some of these smart units continually test themselves to ensure that your detectors won’t fail you when you need them.
If you’re interested in getting smart sensors, talk to the smart home automation experts at SESCOS.
What Type of Smoke Detector Is Right for You?
The best line of defense is a combination of both types. You never know what kind of fire danger you might face. We can help you set up a system that keeps you fully covered.
Safety First with SESCOS
With SESCOS’ great special on detectors and our fast, expert installation, you never have to worry about fire protection. Get started with our special on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to add protection to every floor of your home.