Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between smoke alarm and smoke detector?
A smoke alarm is a device that sounds an audio signal to alert homeowner of a potential fire, a smoke detector detects smoke and sends a signal to an alarm/monitoring company.
Where should smoke detectors be placed in a home?
Smoke detectors should be installed inside each bedroom, on every level of the house, and outside each sleeping area. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room or near the stairway to the upper level.
How long do smoke detectors last?
The National fire protection agency (NFPA) recommends to replace your smoke alarms after 10 years. They have a small amount of radiation which causes them to lose 3-5% of their useful life each year.
Why do detectors chirp/go off?
Smoke detectors can mistake dust for smoke. They chirp to tell homeowner that the battery is getting low and needs to be replaced. Bugs can also be the culprit because they are attracted to the heat in the detector.
Why do smoke detectors go off in the middle of the night?
Smoke alarms can enter a low battery chirp when air temperatures drop. Homes are the usually coolest between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., which is why the alarm often sounds a low-battery chirp in the middle of the night, and then quit when the home warms up a few degrees. Batteries are sensitive to the cold.
When one detector goes off, why do they all go off?
Since a fire typically doubles in size every 30 seconds, detectors are hardwired together to alarm a home owner of a potential fire no matter what part of the house the fire is located. This allows the homeowner to have more time to exit the residence.
I changed my batteries in my detectors, so why are they still chirping?
The detector is telling you it’s at the end of its life. The NFPA (National fire protection agency) recommends to replace detectors after 10 years from the manufacturing date. Their is a born on date on the back of most detectors.
Do 10 year lithium batteries really last 10 years?
10 year lithium batteries are only guaranteed from some manufacturing companies for 1 year after the package has been opened. They are a longer life battery, but only under optimal conditions will they last 10 years.
How are detectors powered?
Detectors are typically hard wired with 110v power. The battery in the detector is a backup for power outages.
Do you install smart detectors like the Nest Protect™?
Yes, we install smart home smoke alarms as well as standard smoke alarms.
Do you service sprinkler systems?
We do not service fire sprinkles at this time.
How often should I have my detectors inspected?