How To Choose the Best Smoke Alarm for Your Home
12/8/2020 (Permalink)
Which Type Of Alarm System Is Best For Your Home
Residential building codes require smoke alarms because they efficiently alert residents when smoke or fire is present. A smoke alarm is intended to warn you in time to put a small fire out or evacuate the house and call for help. Learn more about how these devices work to decide which type of alarm system is best for your home.
Newer Technologies
Recent generations of smoke alarms generally have smart technology. They are reported to be more convenient because they require less attention from the homeowner.
A smoke detector with smart capabilities generally works through a Wi-Fi network and offers several advantages:
- Better protection: A smart smoke alarm notifies you on your phone if the alarm is triggered, so if you aren’t home, you still know to take action.
No chirping: Smart alarms monitor sensors and battery strength and notify you when they need to be checked or replaced. - Smart-battery technology: Smart batteries can often be used in traditional alarms and are able to notify you of a problem even if you are not home.
The primary difference between newer alarm technologies and your older system is the commitment to regular maintenance. Smart alarms are more expensive, which users consider to be the primary disadvantage.
Conventional Alarms
If you have an older alarm, it probably requires some simple, regular maintenance to work properly. Schedule important maintenance practices on your calendar. If you have a 10-year lithium battery in your alarm, you have little to do in this area except replace the unit every 10 years. Regular batteries should be replaced every six months to be safe. Your local fire remediation expert can help educate your household about the risk of fire damage and evaluate the effectiveness of your current system.
If you don’t mind a simple maintenance schedule, a conventional alarm system may suffice. If you prefer a more worry-free product and can spend a little more, a smart smoke alarm may be the preferable choice for protecting your Brentwood, TN, home from a fire.