Do you own a smoke detector alarm? A lot of homes & apartments fancy this little item, and it can come in handy. However, how long have you had one, what is its expiration date, and do you know when is the right time to replace it? Keep on reading and understand all there is to know, it is more than useful!
Why change it in the first place?
If you were at a car shop or your mechanics and if he told you that your car needed some simple restorations or an oil change, you would probably do it right away, right? People love to switch up some things and take care of their everyday essentials that are most-threatening or crucial in their life and household. But what if we told you that changing your smoke detector is also of great importance? In fact, around 25% of smoke detectors fail to sound an alarm at the right and needed time! You should think ahead if you wish to change this, as well as try to feel as safe as possible at your home.
11 Signs it is time to replace Your old smoke detector
1. They are quite old (10+ years)
Source: brinkshome.com
Their usual and typical lifespan is up to 10 years. After that, they will become quite rusty, and they will become a lot less sensitive to smoke. Try to switch it and change every 7-9 years (better to be safe than sorry).
How to test this out and see if it has expired already? Well, spray an aerosol can over the smoke detector that will simulate the smoke. If it lacks to pick it up, make sure to find a replacement asap.
2. Ionize technology
Have you ever heard of ionization before? Ionization smoke detectors sometimes don’t alarm off at the needed moment. Did you know that this type of alarm (on average) responds 15-50 minutes slower than photoelectric kinds? Sometimes they can make a mistake for humidity and dust + they’ve been linked to loads of deaths of people who have fallen asleep and weren’t alarmed at the right moments by the alarm.
3. Your electricity set-up
How is your home or your apartment set-up? Are you overall satisfied with your electricity, or are there more adjustments that could be made? Some older homes are more prone to electrical issues, and doing regular inspections of your electrical system every 2-3 years is a good idea for your overall safety. If your alarm is in a way, rather change it and purchase a new one. It is an affordable investment.
4. Rust appliances
Source: marlborofire.com
Have you noticed a different amount of rust when it comes to your homeware appliances? If you haven’t made an upgrade in quite some time, it is time to change most of your basics. Everything that is rusty, old, or working at a slower pace than it used to should be on your ”get rid of it asap” list.
5. You did a project on your own
Are you your own handyman, and do you often do a lot of different DIY projects? There is nothing wrong with them since you can save up a lot of money. However, make sure that you know where to draw a line, and which projects should never be a part of your DIY routine (this is one of them). There are loads of different things that can go south in this case, so try not to play with alarms or smoke detectors.
6. Renovations are in your way
Different kinds of renovations are common in most homes, but major changes and renovations should be something for you to keep an eye out for. A lot of items can be differently wired or installed, and touch-ups throughout your home or your flat can damage the sensor, so heads up before you begin to work.
7. Ignorant
Source: bucksfire.gov.uk
Never be ignorant or act silly when working with photoelectronic or ionization. Detectors that are photoelectric are more sensitive to smoldering flames. On the other hand, ionization alarms are more responsive to flaming fires. Be aware of your needs and know which one to go for, or which one to change at your home.
8. You stopped changing batteries
Can you remember when was the last time that you’ve changed your batteries? Every model is different in its own way, but every sensor will need different and new batteries every once in a while. Your batteries should be replaced at least every year.
9. It failed in the past
Smoke alarms need to be tested every 2 months (at least). By giving them a quick test, you will become well-aware of everything which is proper and working fine at the moment. If you have had any issues with it in the past, rather get a new kind.
10. No date on it
Source: deltahomeinspections.com
Did you know that most alarms have the manufacturer’s name, standards, as well as expiration dates or date of manufacturing written somewhere on them? If you can’t spot it, you are probably working with a random brand, or your number has worn off. If it has been over 10 years since you’ve purchased it and you did manage to find its date, throw it away.
11. Unwanted chirping
Last, but not least, has it made any weird noises? Does it chirp? Have you switched your batteries and it is still malfunctioning? Keep your eyes and ears open, and make sure that you spot this sound so that you throw it away or get a new one.
Where to get one?
An X-sense smoke detector is an amazing alarm choice for people who want to switch up their old one, or simply get their very own first model. Enjoy its photoelectric sensors, a wire-free design, as well as practical and quick installation for any room at your house or in your flat! The brand has been around since 2014 and they have different models at your service.
