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Modern, fast-paced lifestyles with commutes, work, family, and everything in between can make it easy to overlook something as simple as a smoke detector. But ignoring outdated or malfunctioning alarms puts your home and family at unnecessary risk. Mr. Electric is here to help you stay safe with carbon monoxide detector installation and smoke detector installation in Denver, Colorado. Your detector might be working, but that doesn’t mean it’s working well. Keep reading to find out why replacement is important, how often to do it, and what features modern smart detectors offer.
Smoke detectors lose sensitivity over time. The unit might chirp during a test, but that doesn’t guarantee it will respond fast enough in a real emergency. Smoke detector repair in Denver has increased recently because people are starting to realize that those plastic covers don’t last forever. Like all electronics, the internal sensors degrade, and battery corrosion can cause problems long before you hear a warning beep. The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing smoke detectors every 10 years, but in high-humidity areas or kitchens, it might be sooner. If your home has experienced renovations or electrical work, the detectors might have been disconnected temporarily and never reconnected properly. Some customers are shocked to learn that the smoke detector they assumed was protecting them wasn’t even connected to power. In our experience, the top reasons for replacing old alarms include:
If your smoke alarms were installed more than a decade ago, it’s time to consider a full smart smoke detector replacement in Denver. Today’s units have advanced features that improve safety and convenience.
If you can’t remember when yours was installed, or if your home came with them already mounted, it’s a good idea to check the manufacture date. You’ll find it printed on the back of the unit. If it’s past the 10-year mark, it’s time for a new one, even if it still beeps during tests. Carbon monoxide detector installation should be treated just as seriously. CO detectors need replacement every 5 to 7 years. If your home doesn’t have one installed, especially near sleeping areas or gas appliances, you’re missing a vital layer of protection. CO is odorless, invisible, and fatal in high concentrations. Modern combo units detect smoke and carbon monoxide, and many now come with smart features such as:
When we perform an installation or upgrade, we usually recommend combining both smoke and CO features for simplicity. An electrician can install these units to make sure they meet code and communicate with each other if needed.
Battery-only detectors are better than nothing, but only if the battery is fresh. And how often does anyone remember to change that battery twice a year? Hardwired smoke detectors are powered by your home’s electrical system and include a battery backup, so they’re a much safer option. They don’t go dead without you knowing, and the backup keeps them functioning during power outages. Another overlooked issue is detector placement. A battery-powered unit stuck to a hallway ceiling doesn’t help much if the fire starts in a closed bedroom. Proper placement requires a detector in every sleeping area, outside each bedroom, and on every floor of the home, including the basement. For carbon monoxide installation, the placement needs are slightly different, with detectors near any fuel-burning appliances and garages.
Are you wondering if it’s time to schedule an upgrade for your smoke detectors? Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or property manager, the first step is to work with an electrician in Denver, CO to evaluate your current system. Mr. Electric offers code-compliant smoke detector installation and smoke detector repair in Denver, Colorado. Call now to schedule your appointment.
