By now, we’ve all hopefully completed the tedious task of turning forward all of our clocks for Daylight Savings Time (DST), which occurred March 13th. But while you were “springing forward”, did you remember to check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors? Being on time can’t protect your home from catching fire like your detector can. 
Of course, if you forgot, it’s not too late to check them now. We’ll go over some tips on checking your smoke and CO detectors, and just remember to check them again later this year when you change your clocks to “fall back”!
Check Your Smoke Detectors
If your smoke detector is functioning properly, a red light will periodically blink so you know they are working. Usually, smoke detectors chirp when batteries are low, but you shouldn’t rely on that. Check and replace batteries if needed just in case. Make sure to also push the test button to ensure the alarm is working.
You should have at least one smoke detector on each level of your home. If not, it’s important to have additional alarms installed for safety and proper coverage.
Check Your CO Detectors
CO detectors are a must in homes with furnaces, water-heaters, gas stoves, and other fuel-burning appliances. If they malfunction, they can produce dangerous and potentially fatal levels of CO in your home.
The detectors are similar to smoke alarms, as they’re usually hard wired but have batteries for backup. Just like with your smoke alarm, you want to press the test button on your CO detector and listen for the signal that it’s working. If you do not hear the working test signal, replace the batteries and try again.
When replacing the batteries isn’t enough.
If you test any of your smoke or CO detectors and they are not working, even after replacing the batteries, make sure to contact a reliable electrician such as TriStar Electric right away. You don’t want to take chances with your family and home by having a detector out of commission!
Call TriStar Electric for smoke detector and CO detector services today!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
If you have any questions about smoke detectors, CO detectors, or any of your electrical needs, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s premier residential and commercial electrician, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or, you can fill out the contact form on our website.
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