Wilcox Electric Blog | Washington DC

Note to Self: It’s Time to Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors!

Written by Wilcox Electric | Nov 2, 2023 12:00:00 PM

The days are getting shorter, and the leaves are falling fast, sure signs that the end of daylight savings time is just around the corner. On November 5th, clocks will fall back to provide an extra hour of peaceful slumber. When you wake up, however, remember that there’s something else you should do when you change the clocks: change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!

Why It’s So Important to Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

When you think about it, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are among the unsung heroes of home safety. They silently stand guard, ready to alert you and your family to potential dangers like fire and carbon monoxide leaks. To do their job effectively, though, they need power. Most detectors run on batteries; when those batteries weaken, so do two vital lines of defense. 

Changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors isn’t just another chore on your seasonal maintenance list; it’s a vital routine. Because batteries lose their effectiveness over time, swapping them out every time you change the clocks is a great way to ensure you always remember. 

Discover New Systems for Enhanced Safety

Consider upgrading to long-life lithium battery-powered carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. These devices can last up to ten years, providing your home with continuous protection without the hassle of yearly battery replacements. With these innovative detectors, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safeguarded against silent threats. No more climbing ladders and scrounging for batteries in the junk drawer! Even better, you’ll no longer have to be awoken in the middle of the night by the shrill chirping from a conventional detector whose batteries have run too low.

At Wilcox Electric, we are committed to ensuring your home is a safe haven for you and your loved ones.  If you're interested in learning more about new systems, that are designed to keep you protected even if you slip up and forget to change those batteries, we can answer any questions you might have. You may want to consider scheduling an electrical safety assessment to help identify any electrical issues in your home that need to be addressed, including those concerning old smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

The Importance of Regular Testing

Battery replacement isn’t the only maintenance your detectors require to function correctly. Regular testing is equally vital. Ideally, you should test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to ensure they’re working correctly. It’s also best to consider replacing these devices every ten years, as they can lose their effectiveness even with fresh batteries over time.

Wilcox Electric isn’t just here to remind you to replace the batteries in your detectors; we provide advanced solutions that can make your life both safer and more comfortable. With our cutting-edge systems and expert team, you can trust us to keep your home secure. 

This November 5th, as you adjust your clocks, don’t forget to adjust your safety routine. Take the time to replace the batteries in your existing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and perhaps consider making the upgrade to long-life systems, which are more effective and require less maintenance.

 

Contact Wilcox Electric for all your electrical needs, including installation of long-life lithium battery-powered carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Safety is our top priority, and we want you to know that with the looming government shutdown, we offer some flexible payment options so that you can get important electrical work done when it's needed. We’re here to keep your home functioning safely all season long, and for years to come.