How often should I check my smoke alarm? Fireco’s guide for home smoke alarm maintenance.
Daylight savings has been and gone once again, and the changing of clocks often serves as a reminder to change your batteries in smoke alarms for many New Zealanders – but did you know that there’s a lot more involved in smoke alarm maintenance that annual battery replacement?
Smoke alarms serve as your first line of defence against the devastating effects of fire, alerting you to potential dangers even when you’re asleep. At Fireco, we understand that the safety of your home and loved ones is your top priority – that’s why you need to make sure your smoke alarms are in good working order.
Simply having smoke alarms installed in your home is not enough: regular maintenance and testing are essential to ensure they are functioning properly when you need them most. In this guide, Fireco breaks down the steps and frequency of your essential smoke alarm maintenance, based on advice from NZ Fire and Emergency.
Why You Need Working Smoke Alarms:
Fires can start fast, and a small flame can turn into a massive blaze before you even smell the smoke – and when you’re asleep, you lose your sense of smell and are even more vulnerable to fire emergencies.
The best way to minimise the risk of fire emergencies and safeguard your family is to have a smoke alarm in good working order. In addition to installing and maintaining your smoke alarms, you should discuss an evacuation plan with your family or flatmates.
It’s also important that your smoke alarms are installed in the correct spots throughout your house: 3 metres from bedroom doors and sleeping spaces, as well as in each storey of your house.
Why You Need Working Smoke Alarms:
Fires can start fast, and a small flame can turn into a massive blaze before you even smell the smoke – and when you’re asleep, you lose your sense of smell and are even more vulnerable to fire emergencies.
The best way to minimise the risk of fire emergencies and safeguard your family is to have a smoke alarm in good working order. In addition to installing and maintaining your smoke alarms, you should discuss an evacuation plan with your family or flatmates.
It’s also important that your smoke alarms are installed in the correct spots throughout your house: 3 metres from bedroom doors and sleeping spaces, as well as in each storey of your house.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance Guide:
Regular maintenance of your smoke alarms is vital to ensure they remain effective in detecting smoke and alerting you to potential fires. Your maintenance needs will be different based on the type of smoke alarm installed: older models with 9-volt batteries will require more frequent maintenance and battery replacement than photoelectric smoke alarms, which need replacing every 10 years.
Follow this simple maintenance guide to keep your smoke alarms in optimal condition:
- Once a Month: There should be a ‘test’ button on your smoke alarm system: press this button on each smoke alarm in your house to sound the alarm and make sure that it’s functional.
- Every Six Months: Vacuum or dust your smoke alarms. Keeping them clean from dust and other dirt can help prevent false alarms and ensure proper operation.
- Every Year: Check the expiry date of your smoke alarms; this info is usually located on the bottom or side of the device. If there is no expiry date indicated, Fireco recommends replacing the alarm to ensure continued reliability.
If you have a 9V battery-powered smoke alarm, replace the battery every year to maintain optimal performance. A low battery can cause the alarm to beep regularly, indicating the need for replacement.
- Every 10 Years: Replace all smoke alarms with new long-life photoelectric smoke alarms. Over time, smoke alarms may become less reliable, so it’s essential to update them periodically to ensure maximum effectiveness in detecting smoke and fire.
- For Hard-Wired Smoke Alarms: Follow the testing and maintenance schedule provided by the installer to ensure proper operation and compliance with safety regulations.
By following these simple maintenance steps, you can ensure that your smoke alarms are always ready to protect you and your loved ones in the event of a fire.
At Fireco, we prioritise your safety and encourage you to take proactive measures to maintain your smoke alarms regularly. Contact the Fireco team here for expert advice, products, and services to safeguard your home.
