Smoke Detector Services in Riverview, FL

Ensure Your Smoke Detectors Work Properly

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a part of our homes that we often take for granted. But the truth is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is much more common than many believe. In fact, it's one of the top causes of poisoning in the United States, with over two thousand American deaths each year. CO is especially dangerous because it can't be detected with the naked eye. This gas has no color, taste, or smell, and victims often can't tell they've been affected until symptoms start to show. Thankfully, CO poisoning is preventable. At Mr. Electric of Riverview, we offer CO and smoke detectors to keep your family safe from poisoning and fire. Our experts can install new upgraded devices in homes and businesses in Riverview, Apollo Beach, and Sun City, FL.

Do I Need a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Yes! CO detectors are often the only indication that this harmful gas is seeping into your home. These devices set off an alarm at the first sign of CO, so you'll know right away there's danger. Carbon monoxide exposure can be fatal within minutes, so it's essential to react as soon as possible. Be sure to know these recognize these early symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure:

Know the Common Sources of Carbon Monoxide

In addition to carbon monoxide installation, you can protect yourself from CO by getting familiar with the causes. When we think of a CO leak, we often imagine a faulty gas range or broken water heater. But CO can leak for any number of reasons and come from all kinds of household appliances. We recommend taking these steps to avoid carbon monoxide leaks in your home:

• Remember to change the batteries in your detector once or twice a year
• Never run a generator or fuel-fed motor in your home or garage
• Know the difference between the sound of your smoke alarm and CO detector
• Turn your car off as soon as it's parker
• Use gas appliances with a seal of approval from Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) or the American Gas Association
• Use battery-powered heaters on camping trips
• Don't use a gas oven to heat your home
• Only fire up grills in well-ventilated areas outdoors
• Have gas appliances professionally inspected each year
• Don't use flameless chemical heaters in closed-off spaces
• Get repairs right away for broken gas appliances
• Open the flue when your fireplace or furnace is in use
• Ask your local fire department about CO detectors for low-income households

Place Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Correctly

You shouldn't install a carbon monoxide detector just anywhere. Generally speaking, you should place your detector along the wall between knee and chest height. Gas spreads evenly throughout the home, and ideally, the detector should sound when the CO reaches the height at which you sleep. Sometimes, placing your CO detector here isn't the best idea. We realize many of our customers have children and pets prone to messing with switches and outlets, and in that case, it makes more sense to install a carbon monoxide detector at chest height. Some homeowners even choose combination smoke-and-carbon-monoxide detectors installed at ceiling height. While there are a few different "correct" places to put a detector, you should never install one behind curtains or in hidden areas that may inhibit the device's ability to sense trouble.

Make Sure Your Smoke Detector Is Up and Running

In addition to installing a CO detector, you should also request smoke detector services for your Riverview, FL home. House fires are all too common—there are up to 3,000 deaths and 15,000 injuries each year, according to the U.S. Fire Association. To mitigate this risk, state and local laws require smoke detectors to be installed in every home and workplace. Generally, there must be a detector near every bedroom, but some areas may mandate them in hallways and stairways as well. Once installed, don't forget to schedule a replacement every ten years for maximum peace of mind.

An Overview of Smoke Detector Models

Our team is glad to fill you in on the different types of smoke detectors and how they operate. While they serve the same crucial purpose, some units will function a little differently. Here are the basics on the two UL-certified smoke detectors:

• Photoelectric: Photoelectric detectors go off when smoke enters the room and interrupts light's ability to reach an internal photocell. This type of detector is better able to sense a smoldering fire, even if it hasn't reached the ceiling. They rarely trigger false alarms but do not have a battery failure alarm.
• Ionization: Ionization detectors have a continuous current that flows between two electrodes. In the presence of smoke, the current is disrupted and sets off an alarm. However, these detectors tend to trigger if it detects harmless steam as well. While they may be prone to false alarms, they provide quicker response times, battery failure alarms, and a lower cost overall.

Stay Safe After Smoke Detector Installation

The work isn't done once a smoke detector is installed! Homeowners should take several precautions to maintain their detector and ensure it can quickly sense a fire. The team at Mr. Electric of Riverview can offer you a slew of tips for keeping your unit in proper working order. Be sure to follow these smoke detector guidelines:

• Install at least one smoke detector on every floor of the house or building
• Test alarms every six months or at least once a year
• Have a battery-powered backup in each smoke detector (NOT rechargeable batteries)
• Avoid installing detectors near drafty windows or doors
• Center smoke detectors on the ceiling at least six inches from the wall
• Install wall units at least a foot below the ceiling
• Put smoke detectors near bedrooms, hallways, and staircases
• Lightly dust or vacuum the unit at least once a year
• Never remove the unit from the wall to stop a false alarm
• Don't take out the batteries unless you're changing them
• Store a fire blanket in your home
• Keep a fire extinguisher (or two) in an easily accessible location
• Create an emergency exit plan and update your family on the proper procedures in the event of a fire
• Contact your local fire department about affordable smoke detectors for low-income residents

Don't Forget to Test Your Smoke Detector!

Have you tested your smoke detector recently? Experts say tests should occur at least twice a year. Luckily, inspecting your detector is quick and easy. First, take a lit match or candle and hold it about six inches below the unit. Press the test button and wait for the smoke to waft up. If the alarm goes off, everything's working properly! If it doesn't trigger right away, blow out the flame and wait for an alarm. If it still doesn't go off, get in touch with Mr. Electric of Riverview to request a replacement.

Reach Out to Our Team for More Information

Do you have questions about carbon monoxide detector installation? Perhaps you need a new smoke detector to replace a broken unit. No matter your circumstances, our seasoned electricians are here for you. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or replacement.