Do the Batteries in Your Smoke Alarm Need to Be Changed? (2021 Checklist!) - Weather Master Heating & Air Conditioning Raleigh, NC

Do the Batteries in Your Smoke Alarm Need to Be Changed? (2021 Checklist!)

A woman checking her smoke alarm

We all have new resolutions and exciting plans for the year 2021! But, the mundane things still have to get done too. So why not easily get them out of the way with this awesome checklist?

This is even more important than your New Year’s resolutions

Self-improvement is important, but often home improvement is even more important. Did you know that 80% of fire deaths are caused by fire alarms not working? We don’t mean to scare you, but it goes without saying, it’s very important to remember to not only change the batteries in your smoke alarm, but also to change the smoke alarm itself, if you’re not sure how old it is. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and ensure you have a modern, working alarm. You also need to remember to replace the batteries in your smoke alarm every 6 months!

It’s just as important to make sure your carbon monoxide (CO) detector is working. The way you can test it out is by pressing the test button. You should test the batteries every single month. Yes, you read that right: every single month! Also, if you only have one CO detector, you should know that “Safe Sound Family” recommends having as many CO detectors as smoke detectors in your home, like having one on every floor. You just can’t be too careful!

A properly-maintained HVAC system is the best way to ensure your safety

You probably already know this, but … unlike smoke, CO is a colorless, odorless gas. And while that’s exactly what a CO detector is for, one very important way to help prevent both smoke and carbon monoxide is with HVAC safety!

Did you know, even if the level of CO in your Raleigh home is so low that your carbon monoxide detector DOESN’T go off, that low level of gas is still poisonous and still dangerous. Some CO detectors only go off if the threshold is high enough to cause death. But what about prolonged exposure? That can cause headaches, chest pain, nausea, and tiredness.

So if you ever suspect a carbon monoxide leak, call Weather Master right away. Also, the only way you can really prevent carbon monoxide leaks from your HVAC system is getting an annual maintenance check, ideally before the cold weather even starts. But it’s never too late!

Bonus: make sure that your technician inspects the heat exchanger, because this is the most common place a carbon monoxide leak will happen. Also, make sure the technician cleans the vents and the chimney flue. Your home ventilation system gets clogged by dust, or even by dead animals! Make sure your tech inspects your vents too, which our techs always do.

Here at Weather Master, we use a 20+ point furnace tune-up protocol, so no stone is left unturned and you’ll never have to worry! Remember to change the batteries in your detectors … and remember to get a furnace tune-up from Weather Master. Contact us online or call us today: (919) 853-7910!

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