3 Types of Smoke Alarms and How Often You Should Change Their Batteries

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your smoke alarm working correctly

What Type Of Alarm Do You Have

In the event of a fire in your Santa Ana, CA, home, you want your smoke alarm to be working correctly. This important device can alert you to a fire in time to prevent severe damage and keep your family safe. One way to ensure that it will do its job during an emergency is to maintain the batteries. How often these need to be changed depends on what type of alarm you have.

1. 9-Volt Battery-Powered Alarms
Traditionally, this is the kind of smoke detector you would find in your home. It uses a disposable battery that needs to be replaced on a regular basis. Usually these alarms need new batteries every six to 12 months, but they should be checked more often. It is best to test that the batteries are working at least once a month.

2. Lithium Battery-Powered Alarms
If your smoke alarm uses a lithium battery, then you do not need to worry about replacing it. These alarms should be tested as often as other types, but the battery is designed to last the life of the device. In most cases, it functions as intended for up to 10 years. After this time, you will need to replace the alarm completely.

3. Hardwired Alarms
A hardwired smoke alarm is connected to your home’s power system. Because it uses electricity, it does not necessarily need a battery to function. However, a fire may occur during a time that your home does not have power, so the alarm should also have a backup battery. The backup should be treated the same way as a traditional alarm, with battery replacements once or twice a year.
If your home suffers fire damage, a cleanup and restoration service can help with repairs, but in the ideal situation, the damage will be minimal. Keeping your alarm in working condition and changing batteries when necessary makes it more likely that this is the case.