If your home isn’t already equipped with them or you want to upgrade yours, there are a few considerations for smoke alarms. It’s essential that you choose the best smoke alarms, but there are hundreds of options from which to choose. Therefore, you need a few tips and pointers to ensure that you select one that fits in with your lifestyle and home.
Hardwired or Battery-Operated
Choosing between hardwired and battery-operated smoke alarms is one of the most common worries that homeowners face. Most of them run on batteries, and you don’t need specialty batteries, such as lithium ones. However, you can use any battery you choose. Just note that you should test the alarm once a month to ensure that it is still working correctly. Most people also change out the batteries when they change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time (or roughly every six months).
Hardwired versions are usually installed when the home is built. However, you can choose to add a hardwired alarm at any time. Just note that you may need to hire a contractor or electrician to do the work as it does have to go through your electrical system. You may also want to consider a hardwired alarm with battery backup in case the electricity fails during a storm.
Features
In the past, you had little choice when it came to the smoke alarm you had. Now, however, there are remote controls and safety alerts that can be retrieved when you’re not home. Some also allow you to hush the alarm when it goes off, such as when you’ve burnt a roast or have a steaming pot on the stove.
Smoke alarms are essential to keep you and your family safe. If you want the best, visit First Alert.
